India–Mauritius Special Economic Package:
Mauritius PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam visited Varanasi, where India announced a USD 680 million Special Economic Package covering health, infrastructure, maritime security, and education.
Highlights:
- USD 680 Million Package: Includes grants and line of credit for health, infrastructure, and maritime projects.
- Construction of New Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital, first Jan Aushadhi Kendra outside India, AYUSH Centre of Excellence.
- MoUs between IIT-Madras, IIPM-Bengaluru & University of Mauritius to promote innovation and skilling.
- Development of Motorway M4, Ring Road Phase II, new ATC tower at SSR Airport, port equipment acquisition.
- Joint redevelopment of Port Louis to strengthen Mauritius as a regional maritime hub.
- Cooperation on monitoring Chagos Marine Protected Area and hydrographic mapping of EEZ.
- Provision of helicopters, capacity-building, and joint security initiatives.
- Over 68% of Mauritian population is of Indian origin, binding the nations through shared heritage.
- Symbolic gestures like hosting PM Ramgoolam in Varanasi and Ganga Aarti participation reaffirm spiritual connect.
