Your Excellency Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth ji,
Present members of the Mauritius Cabinet,
External Affairs Minister of India Dr. Jaishankar,
The Residents of Agaléga who have joined the event today,
And all my friends,
Namaskar !
This is the fifth meeting between Prime Minister Jugnauth and me in the last 6 months. This is a testament to the vibrant, strong and unique partnership between India and Mauritius. Mauritius is an important partner of our Neighborhood First Policy. Mauritius is our special partner under our vision "SAGAR”. As members of the Global South, we have common priorities. There has been an unprecedented momentum in our relations in the last 10 years. We have achieved new heights in mutual cooperation. Cultural and historical relations have been given a new shape. Our people are already connected by the golden threads of language and culture. Just a few days ago, we have provided modern digital connectivity through efforts like UPI and RuPay Card.
Friends,
Development partnership has been an important pillar of our strategic relations. Our development partnership is based on the priorities of Mauritius. Be it Mauritius's EEZ security needs, or health security, India has always respected the needs of Mauritius. Be it the crisis of Covid pandemic or oil spill, India has always been the first responder to its friend Mauritius. The basic objective of our efforts is to bring about meaningful changes in the common human lives of Mauritius. Over the past 10 years, approximately one thousand million dollars of credit line and 400 million dollars of assistance has been made available to the people of Mauritius. I have had the privilege of participating in infrastructure projects ranging from the development of metro lines, community development projects, social housing, ENT hospitals, civil service colleges and sports complexes in Mauritius.
Friends,
Today holds a special significance for our development partnership. I am extremely happy that today we are seeing the completion of the commitment I had made in 2015 for the development of the people of Agaléga. Nowadays in India it is being called as "Modi's Guarantee”. I am confident that the facilities that we have jointly inaugurated will boost the ease of living. Connectivity will increase in the north and south regions of Mauritius. Administrative cooperation from the mainland will be easier. Social and economic development will get a boost. Emergency evacuation for medical treatment, and travel of school children for education will be facilitated.
Friends,
Many traditional and non-traditional challenges are emerging in the Indian Ocean Region. All these challenges affect our economy. To deal with these, India and Mauritius are natural partners in the field of maritime security. We are actively working to ensure security, prosperity and stability in the Indian Ocean Region. We are cooperating together in all areas like monitoring of Exclusive Economic Zone, joint patrolling, hydrography, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Today, the inauguration of the airstrip and jetty at Agaléga will further advance our cooperation. This will also strengthen the blue economy in Mauritius.
Friends,
I appreciate Prime Minister Jugnauth ji for his decision to open Jan Aushadhi Center in Mauritius. Mauritius will be the first country to join our Jan Aushadhi initiative. With this, the people of Mauritius will get the benefit of better quality generic medicines made in India.
Excellency,
Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth ji, I congratulate you for your far-sighted vision and dynamic leadership. I am confident that in the times to come, together, we will take India and Mauritius relations to new heights.
Once again I thank you very much
