When Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Mauritius Naveen Chandra Ramgulam sat face to face on the ancient land of Varanasi, the scene was not just a diplomatic formality. It was the reconstruction of the historical cultural journey that crossed the Indian Ocean with the waves of the Ganges and reached Mauritius centuries ago. The relationship between India and Mauritius is not only a “bilateral partnership” but also like blood relations, where culture, tradition and migrant spirit creates a common bridge.
Kashi is not only the religious capital of India, but one of the oldest living cities in the world. Indian culture, which came out of here, has also rooted in the soil of Mauritius. When Prime Minister Modi said that “India and Mauritius are families”, this sentence was a brief of the experience of generations of overseas Indians. This meeting of Varanasi is a bright example of India’s cultural diplomacy.
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If seen, today’s era does not run only with emotions. The proximity of India and Mauritius in Indian Ocean politics is directly related to strategic equations. India’s support on the Chagos agreement confirms Mauritius’ sovereignty and empowers the anti -colonial role. At the same time, marine security, relievers of Coast Guard, hydrography agreement and satellite cooperation, all these steps establish India as a “net security provider” in the Indian Ocean. In addition, this cooperation gives a solid shape to India’s “Neberhood First” and “Indo-Pacific Vision” in view of China’s increasing presence.
Also, Hospitals, Veterinary Schools, Airport Tower and Road Projects are included under a $ 215 million grant declared by India and a $ 440 million line of credit. This is not a help, but a shared future investment. Initiatives like Jan Aushadhi Kendra, Ayush Institute and Solar Energy Project are becoming the hallmark of India’s “Health Diplomacy” and “Green Energy Diplomacy”. If you look at the importance of this partnership in the global context, then let us tell you that India -Moricus partnership is not limited to bilateral relations only. This is a message for the small island nations of Global South that India is their reliable partner. It also makes India’s role more central in the Indian Ocean region of America, France and China. In addition, an attempt to take financial transactions to local currencies through UPI and RuPay cards is an initiative challenging the global economic structure.
If seen, this meeting in Kashi makes it clear that the relationship between India and Mauritius is not only part of diplomacy. It stands on all three poles – culture, strategy and shared future. If it was carried forward with continuity and concrete results, this partnership can become an example of India’s diplomatic skills and migrant involvement not only in the Indian Ocean but all over the world.
Let us also tell you that when Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Varanasi for bilateral talks with Prime Minister of Mauritius, Dr. Naveen Chandra Ramgulam, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath welcomed him at the airport. The Prime Minister reached the police line by helicopter from the airport. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers and the common man, who came out of the Taj Hotel from here, gave a grand welcome to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers and the public with a wreath with the cheers of Shankhanad, Har-Har Mahadev. Artists also welcomed the Prime Minister through cultural programs on the route. Modi also shook hands and greeted the Kashiwasis.
The entire route was decorated to welcome the Prime Minister. At six places, BJP officials and public representatives made a platform and rained rose petals on the Prime Minister. Many women activists were also seen shouting slogans of “Prime Minister Zindabad”. A roadshow -like Najra was seen from the police line to the Taj Hotel where a large number of Kashiwasis standing on both sides of the road gave a wreath on Prime Minister Modi. Several cultural programs including folk dances were presented at many places including Kachhari, Ambedkar Square. After the improvement in GST, BJP workers stood by taking GST and thanks to the first thanks to the Prime Minister who reached Varanasi for the first time. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers put up posters on the streets of Varanasi to welcome Prime Minister Modi.
Let us tell you that Dr. Ramgulam, Prime Minister of Mauritius, reached Varanasi on Wednesday where he was welcomed by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Finance Minister Suresh Khanna. The visit to Varanasi is part of the Prime Minister of Mauritius from September 9 to 16. Ramgulam attended the Ganga Aarti this evening and he will visit the Kashi Vishwanath temple on Friday morning. Let us also tell you that Prime Minister Modi had earlier hosted French President Emmanuel Macron and former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Varanasi, but this is the first time that formal talks are being held with a head of state in Kashi. The city of Varanasi has been decorated with large hoardings and banners to welcome the Prime Minister of Mauritius. Let us also tell you that Prime Minister Modi had a 52nd tour of Varanasi today after 2014.
(The author has his own views in this article.)