Rama Krishna Sangem
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth jointly inaugurated the new Airstrip and St. James Jetty along with six community development projects at the Agalega Island in Mauritius via video conferencing on February 29.
The inauguration of these projects is a testimony to the robust and decades-old development partnership between India and Mauritius and will fulfil the demand for better connectivity between mainland Mauritius and Agalega, strengthen maritime security and foster socio-economic development. The inauguration of these projects is significant as it follows the recent launch of UPI and RuPay Card services in Mauritius by the two leaders on 12 February 2024.
Prime Minister of Mauritiu Pravind Jugnauth said that India and Mauritius are making history today with the joint inauguration of the new Airstrip and St. James Jetty along with six community development projects at the Agalega Island in Mauritius. Terming the event as a symbol of the exemplary partnership between the two nations, Prime Minister Jugnauth thanked Prime Minister Modi for giving a new dimension to the Mauritius-India relationship and also expressed gratitude for being present today.
“Setting up of the new airstrip and jetty facility in Agalega is the fulfillment of yet another Mauritian dream”, PM Jugnauth said and lauded India’s contribution to entirely finance the project. He conveyed profound gratitude to Prime Minister Modi on behalf of the Government and the people of Mauritius for giving special consideration to the island nation since assuming office in India.
He lauded Prime Minister Modi’s strong leadership and statesmanship across the world and underlined that the Indian diaspora has established itself as a global powerhouse of values, knowledge and success.
He informed that Mauritius has become the first nation to adopt the ‘Jan Aushadhi Scheme’ which allows the sourcing of about 250 high-quality medicines from the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India, thereby benefiting the people of Mauritius at large and imparting further momentum to the partnership between the two countries.
Prime Minister Jugnauth concluded his address by thanking Prime Minister Modi for helping Mauritius realize such major transformational projects which will significantly enhance the capabilities and capacities in marine surveillance and security while also meeting the development objectives.
Addressing the occasion, the Prime Minister said that this is his 5th meeting with the Prime Minister of Mauritius, H.E. Mr Pravind Jugnauth in the last 6 months which is proof of a vibrant, strong and unique partnership between India and Mauritius.
He said that Mauritius is a key partner of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ and a special partner under Vision SAGAR. “As members of Global South, we have common priorities and the last 10 years have seen unprecedented momentum in the relations between the two countries and new heights of mutual cooperation have been achieved”, the Prime Minister said. Touching upon the old language and cultural ties, the Prime Minister recalled the UPI and Rupay Card that have provided modern digital connectivity to the relationship.
