Mauritius PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam says India has always stood with Mauritius in its development journey
Varanasi, September 11, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Varanasi on Thursday, held a crucial meeting with Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, where the two leaders reaffirmed their countries’ long-standing cultural, spiritual, and diplomatic bonds. Several bilateral agreements were signed during the talks, strengthening cooperation in areas ranging from trade and technology to cultural exchanges and renewable energy.
Speaking at the meeting, PM Modi emphasized that the India-Mauritius relationship was not limited to transactional partnerships but rooted in a deep sense of family and shared values. “India and Mauritius are not merely partners, but family. This is not just a formality, it is a spiritual bond that has endured for centuries,” Modi said. He highlighted the contribution of the Indian diaspora in Mauritius, noting that cultural links continue to be the backbone of the relationship.
On his part, PM Ramgoolam expressed gratitude towards India for its consistent support in Mauritius’s development journey. “India has always stood with Mauritius in its development path, be it infrastructure, education, or healthcare. Our relationship has been one of trust, mutual respect, and shared growth,” he remarked.
Grand Roadshow in Varanasi
The diplomatic meeting followed a grand 3-km roadshow by Prime Minister Modi, starting from Police Lines and concluding at Hotel Taj. Thousands of enthusiastic supporters lined the streets, showering flowers, chanting slogans, and waving flags as Modi’s convoy passed by. The atmosphere in Varanasi was festive, with traditional music, shankhnaad, and cultural displays reflecting the city’s spiritual vibrancy.
Governor Anandiben Patel and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath welcomed PM Modi at the airport earlier in the day. Chief Minister Yogi greeted the Prime Minister with a rose, after which Modi took a helicopter ride to the Police Lines helipad. From there, he traveled by road to his hotel, where the bilateral meeting with Ramgoolam was scheduled. Along the route, BJP leaders, local representatives, and thousands of citizens gathered to welcome the Prime Minister.
Tight Security and Political Tensions
While the visit was marked by celebration, it also came against the backdrop of political tensions. On Wednesday night, over 200 leaders from Congress and the Samajwadi Party, including UP Congress chief Ajay Rai, were placed under preventive detention by the Uttar Pradesh Police. The opposition parties had announced a protest in Varanasi over alleged electoral irregularities and what they called “vote theft.” The police action was aimed at preventing disruption during the high-profile diplomatic visit.
Mauritius PM’s Spiritual Itinerary
Prime Minister Ramgoolam, who arrived in Varanasi on Wednesday evening, received a ceremonial welcome from Governor Anandiben Patel. His visit is not only political but also deeply spiritual. This evening, he is scheduled to embark on a cruise from Namo Ghat to Dashashwamedh Ghat, where he will witness the iconic Ganga Aarti — an experience considered sacred for visiting dignitaries.
The Uttar Pradesh government, under the leadership of CM Yogi Adityanath, has organized a state banquet at Hotel Taj in honor of the visiting leader. The event is expected to see participation from senior officials, diplomats, and cultural representatives.
On September 12, PM Ramgoolam will visit the Kashi Vishwanath temple, one of Hinduism’s most revered shrines, to offer prayers. Later in the morning, he will fly to Ayodhya, where he is scheduled to visit the Ram Mandir and seek blessings from Ram Lalla. His Ayodhya visit is being seen as a symbol of shared cultural and spiritual values between India and Mauritius, where a large section of the population traces its roots to India.
Deepening Ties Between India and Mauritius
India and Mauritius share a long-standing partnership, marked by historical ties, diaspora connections, and mutual economic interests. Over the years, India has supported Mauritius in areas such as infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and maritime security. Mauritius has often played a key role in India’s outreach to the Indian Ocean region, serving as a trusted partner in ensuring security and stability.
The agreements signed in Varanasi are expected to further boost cooperation in renewable energy, digital innovation, trade facilitation, and cultural collaboration. Both leaders expressed confidence that the partnership will continue to grow stronger, benefiting the people of both nations.
Significance of the Visit
PM Modi’s choice of Varanasi — his parliamentary constituency — as the venue for meeting PM Ramgoolam carries symbolic importance. Varanasi, considered one of the world’s oldest living cities, represents India’s spiritual and cultural depth. Hosting the Mauritian Prime Minister here underscores India’s emphasis on civilizational diplomacy, blending tradition with modern global partnerships.
As Varanasi witnessed the colorful roadshow, the warmth of public participation, and the high-level diplomatic engagement, the visit reflected not just political diplomacy but also a cultural and spiritual bridge between two nations.
