Varanasi, 11 Sept

India and Mauritius will work to enable bilateral trade in local currencies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday after talks with Mauritian PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam.

Modi highlighted the close ties between the nations, saying, “India and Mauritius are two countries, but their dreams and destiny are one.” He stressed the shared priority of a free, secure, and prosperous Indian Ocean and reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening Mauritius’ maritime security.

The PM also congratulated Mauritius on the historic Chagos agreement, calling it a victory for the island nation’s sovereignty. The UK recently agreed to hand over the Chagos Islands, including Diego Garcia, after more than 50 years, while retaining responsibility for its security.

Ramgoolam, on a state visit to India from 9 to 16 September, will also visit Ayodhya and Tirupati. Modi had visited Mauritius in March.