‘Delivered by India’ Emerging as Symbol of Trust, says EAM Jaishankar
Rounding off what he called an "extremely productive visit", External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has described Mauritius as "a home away from home". He was on a two-day official visit to the country on July 16-17, 2024.
 
"Indeed a home away from home! Concluded an extremely productive visit to Mauritius. Jai Bharat, Jai Mauritius," he wrote as he shared a video on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday (July 18, 2024) summarising the highlights of the visit.
 
EAM Jaishankar earlier emphasized that "Delivered by India" is emerging as a symbol of trust. His remarks came during his visit to the Civil Service College project site in Reduit, reflecting India's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties through tangible development projects.

“‘Delivered by India’ is emerging as a symbol of trust. Happy to interact with those making this a reality at the site of the Civil Service College project in Reduit. Laud their commitment and professionalism,” EAM Jaishankar stated while sharing a post on X. “They keep the flag flying high abroad,” he added, highlighting the pride and dedication of those involved in the project.
 
During his visit, EAM Jaishankar called on Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth in Port Louis on Tuesday (July 16, 2024), where he appreciated the broadening of the special and enduring partnership between India and Mauritius. He conveyed warm greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Mauritian leader, reinforcing the close ties between the two nations.

On Wednesday (July 17, 2024), EAM Jaishankar inaugurated India's first Jan Aushadhi Kendra along with Prime Minister Jugnauth. 
 
"Delighted to inaugurate along with Prime Minister @KumarJugnauth the first overseas Jan Aushadi Kendra in Mauritius. This Aushadi Kendra is the delivery of the promise made by PM @narendramodi earlier this year. The India-Mauritius health partnership project will supply cost effective, Made-in-India medicines to augment public healthcare and enhance well being," he said in a post on X.
 
EAM Jaishankar was also present at the ground-breaking ceremony of the “Maitree Udyan,” a symbol of the everlasting friendship between India and Mauritius. He expressed his gratitude to Mauritian Foreign Minister Maneesh Gobin for joining the ceremony, marking the project as a significant milestone in bilateral relations. “‘Maitree Udyan’ is a symbol of our everlasting friendship. Appreciate FM @ManeeshGobin for joining in its Ground-Breaking Ceremony. #Plant4Mother is now rooted in Mauritian soil,” he said on X.
 
EAM Jaishankar's visit to Mauritius follows Prime Minister Jugnauth's recent visit to India for PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony. This visit marks one of his first bilateral engagements since his re-appointment in the Modi-led government, underlining the importance of Mauritius in India’s foreign policy agenda. Previously, he visited Mauritius in February 2021, emphasizing the continuity and growth of bilateral relations.

Shared History and Cultural Ties

In his remarks at the inauguration of the Mediclinic project at Grand Bois, EAM Jaishankar highlighted the deep-rooted connections between India and Mauritius. He noted the shared history and cultural ties that bind the two nations, describing the relationship as one of kinship and mutual support. "In India, we have a policy called Neighbourhood First, but with Mauritius, it is more than just a neighbourly relationship. Modi Ji often says it is a relationship of the heart, a blood relationship," he said.
 
EAM Jaishankar recalled his previous visit during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic when he brought the first set of vaccines to Mauritius. He praised the resilience of the Mauritian people and the country’s recovery from the pandemic. "I admire the resilience of this country, of its people. You have all picked yourselves up and are today in a very different mood and mode," he remarked.

The Mediclinic project, described by Jaishankar as the newest expression of India-Mauritius friendship, will provide secondary healthcare to 16,000 people in the Grand Bois area. He expressed pride in being a partner in this collaboration, emphasizing the importance of health as a priority post-pandemic. EAM Jaishankar also mentioned other ongoing health projects, including a renal transplant unit at the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital and two new area health centres providing primary care, set to be completed by the end of the year.
 
India-Mauritius Development Partnership

Highlighting various flagship projects in a video shared on social media, EAM Jaishankar pointed out the Metro Express, the ENT Hospital, social housing projects, and the Supreme Court building as symbols of the strong partnership between the two nations. He noted that these projects not only improve infrastructure but also reflect the shared experiences and mutual support that define India-Mauritius relations.
 
EAM Jaishankar emphasized the importance of people-centric policies and community-driven projects, citing examples such as soccer fields, volleyball courts, and temple renovations that make a significant difference in the lives of the local population. He also mentioned the construction of refugee shelters and solar projects in Rodrigues and a coconut oil extraction unit in Agalega, underscoring the wide-ranging cooperation between India and Mauritius.

Discussing the challenges faced by Mauritius as a small island developing state, he highlighted the importance of security cooperation in areas such as illegal fishing, narcotics trade, and environmental disasters. He emphasized the strategic significance of the Agalega project in enhancing regional security and contributing to the well-being and prosperity of Mauritius.
 
EAM Jaishankar concluded his visit by reiterating India’s permanent commitment to the prosperity and connectivity of Mauritius. He expressed confidence that the close relationship between the two countries would continue to grow, serving as a gateway to Africa and a model of international cooperation. "Mauritius is always on our mind. Any occasion, our happiness is never complete without your presence," he said, reflecting the deep bond between India and Mauritius.

As he departed for Delhi, he conveyed a message from PM Modi, expressing satisfaction with the strong state of India-Mauritius relations and the mutual commitment to fostering a special friendship that stands as a testament to international solidarity and cooperation.
 
According to India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), EAM Jaishankar's visit underscores the importance India attaches to Mauritius as an important pillar of India’s Vision SAGAR, and ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. 
 
"The visit reaffirmed the continued commitment of both countries to strengthening their multi-dimensional bilateral relationship and deepening their close people-to-people ties. India and Mauritius remain steadfast partners, committed to the prosperity and development of both countries and the larger Indian Ocean Region," the MEA stated.