India announces USD 680 million special economic package for Mauritius; two sides ink 7 pacts
Varanasi/New Delhi (PTI): India on Thursday announced around USD 680 million special economic package for Mauritius and signed seven agreements to further expand bilateral ties in several critical sectors such as maritime security with Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserting that a free and secure Indian Ocean is a shared priority for both sides.
Modi hosted his Mauritian counterpart Navinchandra Ramgoolam at his parliamentary constituency in Varanasi, in reflection of rich cultural links between India and Mauritius as he described the two countries as "not just partners but a family".
In his media statement, Modi said India remains fully committed to strengthening the security of Mauritius's exclusive economic zone and that both sides will work towards enabling bilateral trade in local currencies following successful launch of UPI and RuPay cards in Mauritius.
Under the special economic package, India will assist Mauritius implement at least 10 projects that include strengthening key infrastructure like port, airport, and roads and to set up new schools and hospitals.
"This package is not an assistance. It is an investment in our shared future," Modi said.
The seven agreements will facilitate boosting cooperation in areas of education, power, hydrography and space research.
The most important pact signed following the Modi-Ramgoolam talks appears to be the one on hydrography under which both sides will work together on joint surveys, navigation charts, and hydrographic data of the exclusive economic zones of Mauritius.
"India and Mauritius are two nations, but our dreams and destiny are one," Modi said.
In his remarks to the media, the prime minister also congratulated Ramgoolam and the people of Mauritius on the conclusion of the Chagos agreement, describing it as a "historic victory" for the island nation's sovereignty.
"India has always supported decolonization and the full recognition of Mauritius's sovereignty. And in this, India has stood firmly with Mauritius," he said.
In May, the United Kingdom decided to hand over the sovereignty of Chagos Islands including tropical atoll of Diego Garcia to Mauritius under a historic deal.
The UK is giving up the rights of the islands after more than 50 years.
Under the agreement, the UK will have full responsibility for security of strategically-located Diego Garcia.
Ramgoolam, currently on a state visit to India from September 9 to 16, said India-Mauritius ties have entered into a dynamic and forward looking phase.
Modi also referred to close cooperation between the two countries in the maritime sphere.
"India has always stood as the first responder and a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region. The refitting of the Mauritius Coast Guard ship is being undertaken in India. In addition, 120 of their officers are also being trained in India," he said.
"Today, an agreement has been concluded on cooperation in the field of hydrography. Over the next five years, we will work together on joint surveys, navigation charts, and hydrographic data of the EEZ," he said.
Modi said Mauritius is a key part of India's Neighbourhood First policy and our Vision 'MAHASAGAR' (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Region).
He unveiled the MAHASAGAR vision for India's engagement with the Global South during his visit to Mauritius in March.
Modi also announced a decision to establish a new directorate of science and technology in Mauritius.
"Very soon, we will also launch the training modules of Mission Karmayogi in Mauritius."
The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, and the Indian Institute of Plantation Management have entered into agreements with the University of Mauritius, he said.
These agreements will elevate our partnership in research, education, and innovation to new heights, he added.
Modi also referred to cultural links between India and Mauritius.
"It is a matter of pride for me to welcome you to my parliamentary constituency. Kashi has always been a symbol of India's civilization and cultural heritage," he said.
"Centuries ago, our culture and traditions travelled from India to Mauritius, and became a part of everyday life there. Just like the eternal flow of Maa Ganga in Kashi, the continuous stream of Indian culture has enriched Mauritius," he said.
"And today, when we are welcoming friends from Mauritius in Kashi, it is not just a formality but a spiritual union. That is why I proudly say that India and Mauritius are not just partners but a family," he added.
Modi reached his Lok Sabha constituency around 11:30 am and proceeded to Hotel Taj, where he met Ramgoolam for nearly two hours.
Officials said while Modi left for Uttarakhand to take stock of the flood situation there, Ramgoolam will stay back in Varanasi.
Ramgoolam's India visit began on September 9 and concludes on September 16.
Earlier, amid the sound of drums and conch shells, Modi's convoy entered the city with BJP leaders, party workers and local residents lining up along the route to welcome him, chanting "Har Har Mahadev" and showering flower petals. Some people were also seen carrying Mauritius flags to mark the occasion.
Following the bilateral talks, Modi left the hotel a little after 2 pm, travelled to the police lines - about two km away - and then took a chopper to the airport, before departing for Uttarakhand.
Ramgoolam, who arrived in Varanasi on Wednesday, was received by Governor Patel and Finance Minister Suresh Khanna. He is scheduled to attend the Ganga 'aarti' this evening and visit the Kashi Vishwanath temple on Friday morning.
The delegation will also be presented with a cultural programme, highlighting the historic ties between the two nations, District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar said.
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TMC's reign of terror prevails in West Bengal: Rahul
New Delhi (PTI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday strongly condemned the killing of party worker Debdeep Chatterjee allegedly by TMC goons, and said his party will not bow before this politics that stains India's non-violent tradition.
Chatterjee was brutally murdered in Asansol during post-poll violence. He was closely associated with Asansol North Congress candidate Prasenjit Puitandi, the party claimed.
The worker was attacked and beaten by those linked to the ruling All India Trinamool Congress and succumbed to injuries shortly thereafter, the West Bengal Congress alleged.
"The murder of Congress worker Debdeep Chatterjee by TMC-affiliated goons after the elections is utterly reprehensible. My deepest condolences to the grieving family," Gandhi said in a post on X.
"In West Bengal today, it is not democracy but TMC's reign of terror that prevails. Intimidating, attacking, and eliminating opposing voices after votes are cast -this has become the defining character of TMC," Gandhi also said.
He said the Congress' politics has never been based on violence, nor will it ever be.
"We too have lost our workers, yet we have always chosen the path of non-violence and the Constitution. This is our legacy, this is our resolve. "The demand is clear -immediate arrest of all the guilty, the harshest punishment, and grant full security and compensation for Debdeep's family," the former Congress chief said.
"We will not bow before this politics that stains India's non-violent tradition. Justice will be done," Gandhi said.
The West Bengal Congress, in a post on its X handle, said this tragic incident exposes the complete collapse of law and order in the state and raises serious questions about the safety of opposition workers in West Bengal.
"The fact that such violence has occurred immediately after polling highlights a deeply disturbing pattern of political intimidation and vendetta," it said.
The Congress stands firmly with the bereaved family and demands immediate arrest of all those responsible for this heinous crime and a fair, impartial, and time-bound investigation. It also said adequate compensation and protection for the victim's family.
"It is deeply concerning that even an FIR had not been registered at the time of reporting, further indicating administrative apathy in the face of such a grave incident.
"The Indian National Congress reiterates that democracy cannot survive in an atmosphere of fear and violence. We will continue to raise our voice against such atrocities and fight to ensure justice for every victim," the party said.
The Congress said the murder of Chatterjee by goons associated with TMC is highly condemnable and termed it a direct attack on democracy.
"Democracy in West Bengal has ended, and TMC's reign of terror continues. Silencing and subduing opposing voices through violence has become TMC's hallmark. We demand that the culprits be arrested immediately and given the harshest possible punishment. We will not allow the democracy of our country to be destroyed by these anti-people forces," the Congress said.
