India- Mauritius Signs 5 Pacts, Modi To Strengthen Bilateral Ties
12 Mach, Port Louis
India and Mauritius have inked five Memoranda of Understanding to give new impetus to bilateral co-operation. The MoUs were signed in Port Luis Wednesday night in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Mauritian counterpart Sir Anerood Jugnuth.
The agreements signed included one on Ocean economy which will help utilise the rich marine resources of the Indian Ocean island nation. It provides for mutually beneficial co-operation for exploration and capacity development in the field of marine resources, fisheries, green tourism, research and development of ocean technology, exchange of experts and other related activities.
MoUs for improvement in Sea and Air Transportation Facilities at Agalega Island in Mauritius, boosting the cultural co-operation between the two countries for the next three years, co-operation in the field of Traditional System of Medicine and Homeopathy, and protocol for importation of fresh mangoes from India were also signed between the two countries.
After the summit-level talks and exchange of documents of the MoUs signed, Modi offered a concessional line of credit of 500 million US dollars to Mauritius for key infrastructure projects. He also announced to waive off the fee on the Electronic Travel Authorisation to visiting Mauritian citizens. He said, it will not only promote tourism but also enhance people-to-people contact between both the nations.
Modi also said that co-operation in the Ocean Economy between both the countries is an important step in their scientific and economic partnership and it will improve their understanding of marine ecology. He said, it will also help to develop new areas of ocean economy and follow more sustainable practices in using our blue assets.
The Prime Minister said that the agreement on the development of Agalega Island is a major stride in co-operation in infrastructure sector between both the countries. He said, the two nations have agreed to broaden their regional cooperation which will enhance peace and prosperity in maritime region.
Modi stated that the two sides would continue their dialogue on revising the Double Taxation Avoidance Convention, which is based on preventing abuse of the convention, while enabling Mauritius to fully benefit from the arrangement.
The Prime Minister reiterated India’s commitment to co-operate with Mauritius in its efforts to secure its vast Exclusive Economic Zone. He said, New Delhi is intended to quickly build the petroleum storage and bunkering facility in Mauritius.
Referring to India’s help for setting up the first cyber city in Mauritius, the Prime Minister offered support for construction of the second cyber city. Modi said, India and Mauritius have also decided to launch a multi-disciplinary youth forum which will connect youths more and it will sow the seeds of strong partnerships in the future.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will reach Sri Lankan capital Colombo tomorrow – Friday morning on the final leg of his 3-nation tour.
India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka YK Sinha said that Modi’s visit will go a long way in enhancing the close ties between the two countries to a higher level of engagement. He said, the visit is a manifestation of India’s commitment to national reconciliation and economic rehabilitation of war affected people of Sri Lanka.
He pointed out that a bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister comes after a gap of 28 years and the inclusion of Anuradhapura, Thalaimannar and Jaffna besides Colombo will highlight the deep roots of our relations.