PM Modi, Mauritius counterpart jointly inaugurate community development projects in island nation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth on Thursday (Feb 29) jointly inaugurated the new Airstrip and St James Jetty along with six community development projects at the Agalega Island in Mauritius.

The two leaders inaugurated the projects through video conferencing.

Earlier, the Prime Minister's Office released a statement saying that the inauguration of these projects stands as a testimony to the robust and decades-old development partnership between the two countries.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

The Prime Minister's Office stated, "The inauguration of these projects is a testimony to the robust and decades-old development partnership between India and Mauritius."

"The projects will fulfil the demand for better connectivity between mainland Mauritius and Agalega, strengthen maritime security and foster socio-economic development," it added.

'Inauguration of airstrip to further advance India-Mauritius cooperation', says PM Modi

The Indian prime minister said that the decade has witnessed the ties between India and Mauritius embracing an "unprecedented momentum ".

Terming Mauritius as a significant partner of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, PM Modi said that the two countries have achieved new heights in terms of mutual cooperation.

"In the last 6 months, this is the fifth meeting between me and PM Jugnauth. This is proof of a vibrant, strong and unique partnership between India and Mauritius. Mauritius is an important partner of our 'Neighborhood First' Policy. Mauritius is our special partner under our vision 'SAGAR'. As members of the Global South, we have common priorities" PM Modi said.

"In the last 10 years, our relationship has embraced an unprecedented momentum. We have achieved new heights in mutual cooperation. Cultural and historical relations have been given a new shape. Our people are already connected by the golden threads of language and culture," he added.

'India's support to Mauritius far-reaching', says Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth

Jugnauth thanked Indian Prime Minister Modi for giving the ties between both countries a new dimension.

"Indeed, we are making history today on the Islands of Agalega, where the inauguration of the new airstrip, new jetty, and several other development projects is taking place. This event marks another great moment for the remarkable and exemplary partnership between Mauritius and India," the Mauritius Prime Minister said.

"This could not have been possible without the assistance of India which has entirely financed these infrastructural projects," he added.

Expressing gratitude to his Indian counterpart, Jugnauth said that India's support to his country is "far-reaching" and that Mauritius became the first country to adopt the Jan Aushadhi scheme.

"I wish here to heartily thank Shri Narendra Modi Ji for giving a totally new dimension to the Mauritius-India relationship and partnership," Jugnauth said.

The Jan Aushadhi Scheme (JAS), which is aimed at providing quality generic medicines at affordable prices, was launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers in 2008.

"This scheme will allow our country to source some 250 high-quality medicines from the Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Bureau of India. It will ensure access to quality medicines from India for our population, especially the vulnerable," the Mauritius Prime Minister said.

"The launching of this scheme in Mauritius will benefit our people at large and will impart further momentum to India's partnership with Mauritius. It has been my vision and that of my government to spearhead development in every single part of our territory since our people remain at the heart of our development goals. We are translating that vision into reality," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)