President Murmu: Mauritius Holds Key Role in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy

Quick Summary

• President Droupadi Murmu met Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam in New Delhi on September 16, 2025.
• Discussions highlighted the expansion of India-Mauritius bilateral cooperation into new areas such as digital technologies and space.
• Mauritius plays a central role in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, ‘MAHASAGAR’ vision, and its commitment to the Global South.
• The relationship has been elevated to an ‘Enhanced Strategic Partnership,’ with India supporting Mauritius through developmental initiatives such as hospitals, roads, and defense projects.
• Both leaders agreed on the unique ties rooted in shared history, language, culture, and values between the two nations.
• PM Ramgoolam concluded his state visit (September 9-16) by also meeting Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan. Discussions focused on enhancing trade and people-to-people connections.
• Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi also met PM Ramgoolam during his visit to discuss strengthening bilateral relations.

Indian Opinion Analysis

India’s interaction with Mauritius reaffirms its strategic objectives under both regional frameworks like ‘Neighbourhood First’ and broader commitments like connecting with the Global South. The acknowledgment of new developmental areas such as digital technologies signifies a forward-looking collaboration that aligns well with both countries’ mutual interests. Elevating the relationship to an ‘Enhanced Strategic Partnership’ showcases trust built over decades.

Mauritius’ symbolic importance stems not only from cultural ties but also from its geographical position in critical maritime zones aligning closely with India’s vision for Indo-Pacific engagement like ‘MAHASAGAR.’ Such partnerships could boost infrastructure progress while reinforcing India’s diplomatic leadership within small island nations.

The range of engagements-including meetings across party lines-signals bipartisan acknowledgment within Indian politics of these long-standing relations’ importance. Prime Minister Modi hosting Mr. Ramgoolam in Varanasi symbolizes a deeper cultural resonance often at play alongside geopolitics.

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