Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the East African country of Mauritius on Tuesday on a two-day visit. Mauritian Prime Minister Naveen Ramgoolam and his entire cabinet were present at the airport to receive him this morning. The Chief Justice of Mauritius and other guests were also present at the airport.

The Indian Prime Minister was given a ‘Guard of Honour’ to welcome him. Modi will attend the National Day celebrations of Mauritius on March 12 as the chief guest. The Prime Minister will also inaugurate at least 20 Indian-run projects in Mauritius.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi left Delhi for Mauritius on Monday midnight. Before setting foot on the soil of the friendly country, he wrote on social media on Monday night that his visit is to give a new dimension to the friendly relations between the two countries. The Prime Minister wrote, ‘Mauritius is India’s maritime neighbour as well as one of the partners in the Indian Ocean. Mauritius has a deep cultural bond with India. My visit will further strengthen the foundation of our friendship and create a bright chapter in India-Mauritius relations.’ He also wrote, ‘Looking forward to the opportunity to enhance our partnership with Mauritius for the progress and prosperity of our people as well as the security and development of the Indian Ocean region.’

After this, on Tuesday morning, after the Prime Minister’s plane landed at Port Louis Airport, Mauritian Prime Minister Naveen Ramgoolam along with the entire cabinet welcomed Narendra Modi. Naveen garlanded the Prime Minister and hugged him. A guard of honour was given at the airport. Modi will participate as the chief guest in the National Day celebrations of Mauritius on March 12. A contingent of the Indian Defence Forces, including an Indian Navy ship, will participate in the event.’

It is worth noting that Mauritius is India’s second largest trading partner after Singapore. There are 11 Indian state-owned companies like Indian Oil and State Bank of India in the country. There are also important agreements with Mauritius in various fields. It is learnt that the Prime Minister will inaugurate at least 20 projects being run by India during this visit. Apart from the trade agreements, several important steps may be taken regarding maritime security keeping in mind the Chinese aggression in the Indian Ocean. India has already built a port in Mauritius. New Delhi will also deploy an Indian Navy ship in Port Louis there for maritime security.