During her official visit to Mauritius, President Droupadi Murmu announced on Tuesday that India is progressing across all sectors, highlighting the country’s dynamic and forward-moving trajectory. She expressed that the ‘New Bharat’ is on the verge of becoming one of the top three global economies, showcasing substantial advancements in various domains.
President Murmu, currently on a state visit to Mauritius, addressed a gathering at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute in Port Louis, emphasizing the historic ties and bilateral cooperation between India and Mauritius.
Emphasizing India’s economic growth, President Murmu stated, “This opens up new avenues and opportunities for the youth of Mauritius. I’m pleased to announce that with the extension of OCI card eligibility to Indian origins of the 7th generation, many more young Mauritians will be able to reconnect to the land of their ancestors. India has always stood by Mauritius, and Mauritius in the past.”
“Our ties are comprehensive covering every aspect of cooperation. Our decades-long development partnership is a shining example of India’s commitment to contribute towards the developmental journey of Mauritius and enhance the quality of life for common people. I had the gesture of the government of Mauritius of naming the station as radio after Mahatma Gandhi as well as depicting the famous Dandi Yatra at the station that holds special significance to both our countries,” she added.
President Murmu also highlighted the significance of March 12 for both countries, noting that the date marks the beginning of Dandi March (Dandi Satyagraha) led by Mahatma Gandhi and Mauritius Independence Day.
“On this auspicious day 12th March which is special for both our countries. The day on which the historic Dandi march was led by Mahatma Gandhi in India in 1930 and the date adopted as Mauritius independence. Allow me to convey my heartfelt wishes and congratulations as well as from the people of India on this joyful occasion,” she said.
“Our economy signed the first agreement with Mauritius, a first for African countries, when the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement was signed in 2021. This will not only boost bilateral trade and economic ties but will also help us expand our economic linkages with Africa through Mauritius. Defence and military cooperation are important pillars of whatever support Mauritius needs, whether it be the provisioning of defence platforms, deputation of officials, capacity building initiatives, or SADR support,” she added.
President Murmu held meetings with several top leaders in Mauritius on Tuesday and participated as the Chief Guest in the 56th Mauritius Independence Day celebrations, marking a significant moment in the enduring friendship between India and Mauritius. She also witnessed the Indian Navy contingent’s participation in the march.
President Murmu, who arrived in Mauritius on Monday for a three-day state visit, was welcomed at the airport by PM Pravind Jugnauth with full honors. She had previously announced that India approved a special provision to grant an Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card to the 7th generation of Indian-origin people in Mauritius, allowing younger Mauritians of Indian origin to become overseas citizens of India and reconnect with the land of their ancestors.
In paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi, she remembered the special significance of the date (March 12) for the two nations, highlighting that Mahatma Gandhi initiated the famous salt march from Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad on March 12, 1930.
