NextFin news, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam met on Thursday in Varanasi, India, to discuss and agree on enhancing trade and security cooperation between the two countries.
During the talks, the leaders agreed to work towards facilitating bilateral trade in local currencies, aiming to simplify and increase trade flows between India and Mauritius. This move is expected to strengthen economic ties and reduce dependency on third-party currencies, according to statements reported by News9live on Thursday.
In addition to economic cooperation, the two Prime Ministers emphasized the importance of maritime security in the Indian Ocean region. India has been expanding its role as a preferred security partner in the Indo-Pacific, including Mauritius, through initiatives such as the Colombo Security Conclave and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS). These efforts aim to enhance maritime domain awareness and promote regional stability, as detailed in a report by Greater Kashmir published recently.
Prime Minister Modi also highlighted India's updated maritime doctrine, MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), which builds on the earlier SAGAR vision to extend India's maritime cooperation globally with a focus on the Global South. This doctrine was announced during Modi's official visit to Mauritius earlier in 2025.
The meeting in Varanasi also included discussions on India's economic package to Mauritius, which includes investments in infrastructure and capacity building, reinforcing the longstanding partnership between the two nations. The Hindu reported on Thursday that these talks further cement the bilateral relationship.
These developments come amid India's broader strategy to deepen ties with Indian Ocean states through trade facilitation, security cooperation, and developmental partnerships, reflecting a comprehensive approach to regional engagement.
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