Port Louis/New Delhi, Mar 12 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced India’s vision of MAHASAGAR - Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions – for the Global South, going beyond the SAGAR vision that he had announced in Mauritius a decade ago.
Addressing a press event in Port Louis, in the presence of Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, and other dignitaries, PM Modi said that Mauritius is India’s important partner, whether as part of the Global South, the Indian Ocean or the African continent.
“Ten years ago, the foundation of Vision SAGAR, which stands for "Security and Growth for All in the Region” was laid here in Mauritius. We’re moving ahead with the SAGAR Vision for the stability and prosperity of this region.
“Today, building upon this, I want to say that our vision for Global South will be - going beyond SAGAR - it will be MAHASAGAR, i.e. "Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions”.
“It shall encompass the ideas of trade for development, capacity building for sustainable growth, and mutual security for a shared future. Under this, we will extend cooperation through technology sharing, concessional loan and grants,” the PM said.
He said that during their talks, PM Navin Ramgoolam and he had agreed that Defence Cooperation and Maritime Security are key pillars of the strategic partnership.
“Free, open, secure, and safe Indian Ocean is our common priority. We are committed to providing our full support for the security of the Exclusive Economic Zone of Mauritius. In this regard, we will extend every possible assistance to meet the needs of the Coast Guard,” the PM announced.
India will also assist in setting up of the Police Academy and National Maritime Information Sharing Centre in Mauritius. The two sides will also strengthen cooperation in White shipping, Blue economy, and hydrography.
“We fully respect the sovereignty of Mauritius with regard to Chagos. We will extend our cooperation through forums such as the Colombo Security Conclave, Indian Ocean Rim Association, and Indian Ocean Conference,” the PM said.
Announcing steps to strengthen people-to-people ties, PM Modi said that cooperation will be extended in areas like, Digital Health, AYUSH Centre, school education, skilling and mobility.
“We will work together to utilize AI and DPI, i.e. Digital Public Infrastructure for the development of mankind.”
He said the Indian government will facilitate pilgrimage tours to Char Dham Yatra and Ramayan Trail in India for the people of Mauritius. Emphasis will be given to the preservation and promotion of the Girmitiya Heritage, he added.
“The ties between India and Mauritius are not only bound by the Indian Ocean, but also by our shared culture, traditions, and values. We are partners on the journey to economic and social development. Be it a natural disaster or the COVID pandemic, we have always supported each other. Whether its security or education, healthcare or space, we walk shoulder to shoulder in every sector.”
He enumerated the projects undertaken as part of developmental cooperation and capacity building.
“The Metro Express to add speed to Mauritius, The Supreme Court Building for justice, Social housing for comfortable living, ENT Hospital for good health, UPI and the RuPay Card to boost trade and tourism; Jan Aushadhi Kendras for affordable and quality medicines.”
He said the improved connectivity in Agaléga island was helpful in the swift delivery of humanitarian assistance to those affected by Cyclone Chido. “Many lives could be saved due to this.”
He also announced that the two sides have decided to elevate the partnership to an 'Enhanced Strategic Partnership’.
“We’ve decided that India will cooperate in building a new Parliament building in Mauritius. This will be a gift to Mauritius from the Mother of Democracy. Efforts will be made to modernize a 100 km long water pipeline in Mauritius,” he said.
“In the second phase of community development projects, new projects worth 500 million Mauritian Rupees will be launched. Over the next five years, 500 civil servants from Mauritius shall receive training in India. Additionally, we have reached an agreement for settlement of mutual trade in local currency,” the PM announced.
The MEA spokesperson said in a post on X:
“Vision MAHASAGAR for the Global South.
PM @narendramodi announced Vision MAHASAGAR- “Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions” for the Global South today in Mauritius.
“This vision would guide development cooperation, capacity building, sustainable growth & mutual security for our shared future.”
UNI RN