India-Mauritius Ties Strengthened: Jaishankar's Key Visit

India-Mauritius relations have strengthened with Dr. S Jaishankar's key visit to Mauritius in July 2024. The visit, his first bilateral visit after re-appointing as External Affairs Minister, marked the second visit to Mauritius as External Affairs Minister.

Inauguration of India-Mauritius Maitree Udyan

Maitree Udyan inaugurated by Dr. S Jaishankar on July 16, 2024, in Port Louis, Mauritius.
Symbolizes friendship between India and Mauritius
Tree planting ceremony with Mauritius Foreign Minister Maneesh Gobin
Represents growing bilateral relations and environmental commitment

Significance of the Visit

First bilateral visit by Dr. Jaishankar after re-appointment as External Affairs Minister
Second visit to Mauritius as External Affairs Minister (previous visit in February 2021)
Follows Mauritius PM Pravind Kumar Jugnauth's attendance at PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony on June 9, 2024
Demonstrates India's prioritization of Mauritius in foreign policy

Key Engagements and Initiatives

a) High-level meetings:

Met with Mauritius PM Pravind Jugnauth
Discussions with Deputy PM Steven Obeegadoo
Bilateral talks with Mauritius Foreign Minister Maneesh Gobin

b) Civil Service College project:

Visited the project site in Reduit
Built with Indian assistance
Aims to train Mauritian civil servants
Will serve as a center of excellence in public administration

c) First Overseas Jan Aushadi Kendra:

Inaugurated in Grand Bois, Mauritius
Attended by Mauritius PM Pravind Kumar Jugnauth
Part of Medicilinic set up with Indian assistance
Will provide secondary healthcare to 16,000 people
Offers affordable generic medicines

India's Support on Chagos Archipelago Issue

Dr. Jaishankar reiterated India's support for Mauritius's claim
Chagos Archipelago: Over 60 islands in the central Indian Ocean
India's stance aligns with territorial integrity and post-colonial justice

Historical context:

- UK separated it from Mauritius before granting independence in 1968
- Refused to return islands, citing strategic importance

Legal developments:

- 2019: International Court of Justice ruled in favor of Mauritius
- UK refuses to accept ruling, citing defense and security needs

Mauritius: Country Profile and Relation with India

African island nation in the Indian Ocean
Capital: Port Louis
Currency: Mauritian Rupee
Prime Minister: Pravind Kumar Jugnauth
Religion: About half the population are Hindus
Strong cultural and historical ties with India, especially eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
Demographics:
- About two-thirds of population are of Indian origin
- Descendants of laborers brought by British for sugarcane plantations
Language:
- Official language: English
- Widely spoken: Creole and Bhojpuri

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