India and Mauritius concluded agreements on Thursday to implement projects under a $680 million economic aid package offered by New Delhi, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Mauritian Prime Minister Naveenchandra Ramgoolam discussed ways to enhance cooperation across a range of areas.
The two leaders said in a media interaction in Port Louis that the two countries are finalizing an agreement between the two governments on the supply of oil and gas from India to enhance energy security in Mauritius, especially against the backdrop of unrest resulting from the conflict in West Asia.
The two leaders witnessed the finalization of project agreements within the framework of the special economic package announced during Ramgoolam’s visit to India last September. The package includes $25 million in budget support and several projects that will be implemented with a combination of grants and loans.
Jaishankar said the package reaffirms India’s commitment to infrastructure development, health and security in Mauritius. He also announced that India will appoint a defense attaché in Mauritius.
The two leaders inaugurated 11 India-supported community development projects in sectors such as sustainable development, energy, sports and infrastructure, and launched the ‘Karmayogi Portal’ to train civil servants in Mauritius. This is the first project of its kind implemented by India in a partner country to strengthen governance and administration.
A memorandum of understanding for cooperation has also been finalized between the University Grants Commission of India and the Higher Education Commission of Mauritius. Mauritius handed over a check for US$45,000 for the sale of marine charts prepared through bilateral cooperation in the field of hydrography.
Jaishankar and Ramgoolam also discussed cooperation in the areas of maritime security, development assistance, health, education, mobility and technology, as well as developments in West Asia and their impact.
Ramgoolam thanked India for its assistance to Mauritius in various sectors. “India has always stood by our side, especially in difficult moments of our history,” he said, adding that this assistance is “a ray of hope in such a difficult moment”, when all countries are reeling under the impact of war in West Asia.
