Varanasi, September 11, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam on Thursday announced a Special Economic Package for Mauritius from India worth nearly USD 680 million and witnessed the signing of seven memoranda of understanding, giving fresh momentum to the strategic partnership between the two countries.
The announcements came after wide-ranging talks in Varanasi, where both leaders discussed healthcare, infrastructure, maritime security, science, and cultural exchanges.
$680 Million Special Economic Package
The package includes USD 215 million in grants, covering:
- Construction of the New Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital
- Establishment of an AYUSH Centre of Excellence
- A new Veterinary School and Animal Hospital
- Provision of helicopters for security and emergency use
On a grant-cum-line of credit basis, projects worth USD 440 million were agreed, including:
- A new ATC tower at SSR International Airport
- Development of Motorway M4 and Ring Road Phase II
- Acquisition of port equipment for CHCL
Strategic cooperation will also extend to the redevelopment of Mauritius’ main port and assistance in the development and surveillance of the Chagos Marine Protected Area. India will additionally provide USD 25 million in budgetary support this year.
7 MoUs Signed
Alongside the package, the two countries signed seven agreements covering:
- Science and Technology cooperation between India’s DST and Mauritius’ Ministry of Tertiary Education
- Collaboration between the National Institute of Oceanography and the Mauritius Oceanography Institute
- Partnership between Karmayogi Bharat and Mauritius’ Public Service Ministry on training and reforms
- Cooperation in the power sector
- Indian grant assistance for Phase II of Small Development Projects
- Renewal of MoU in hydrography
- Agreement on space cooperation, including a telemetry and tracking station for satellites and launch vehicles
Shared Vision
“Our cooperation spans from health and education to oceans and outer space. Mauritius is not just a partner, but family,” Modi said after the talks.
Ramgoolam hailed India’s consistent support, describing the new agreements as “a reflection of mutual trust and our shared destiny in the Indian Ocean.”
Symbolic Setting
The Mauritian leader was accorded a cultural welcome in Varanasi, underscoring the civilisational and spiritual links between the two countries. The visit comes months after Mauritius awarded Modi its highest civilian honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean.
Outlook
With fresh commitments in healthcare, infrastructure, energy, oceans, and space, the Modi–Ramgoolam summit has reinforced Mauritius’ central role in India’s Indian Ocean strategy while delivering vital development support for the island nation.
– With input from agencies
