In a significant display of cultural and strategic diplomacy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet his Mauritian counterpart, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, in Varanasi on September 11, 2025, marking a new chapter in India-Mauritius relations.
Cultural and Spiritual Diplomacy
Varanasi, India’s spiritual heart, forms the backdrop for this high-profile meeting, emphasizing the shared civilizational and cultural bonds between the two nations.
Both leaders will attend the revered Ganga Aarti at the ghats, with the city preparing a grand welcome featuring rose petals, cultural performances, and traditional music.
On September 12, Ramgoolam is scheduled to offer prayers at the iconic Kashi Vishwanath temple before continuing his spiritual journey to Ayodhya.
Strengthening the Strategic Partnership
The summit underscores both countries' ambitions to advance their “Enhanced Strategic Partnership,” particularly following Modi’s launch of the MAHASAGAR vision in March 2025.
Talks are expected to focus on greater collaboration in defense, trade, and investment; recent agreements have covered maritime security, local currency trading, and MSME development.
Mauritius is pivotal to India’s Indian Ocean strategy, holding a “special place” within Vision MAHASAGAR and New Delhi’s Neighborhood First Policy.
Symbolism and Geopolitical Significance
The selection of Varanasi for these talks combines diplomatic gravitas with spiritual symbolism, reinforcing people-to-people ties while advancing shared strategic interests.
This meeting is a reciprocal gesture following Modi’s attendance at Mauritius National Day celebrations, where he became the first Indian PM to be honored with Mauritius' highest civilian award.
As the Indian Ocean becomes increasingly crucial in global geopolitics, the ties between India and Mauritius are set to become even stronger.
The main highlights of Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam's India visit in September 2025 include:
An eight-day state visit starting with his arrival in Mumbai on September 8, 2025, and concluding on September 16, 2025.
Bilateral talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled for September 11 in Varanasi, Modi’s parliamentary constituency, focusing on strengthening the Enhanced Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
Participation together in the traditional Ganga Aarti ceremony at the ghats of the sacred Ganges River, symbolizing the cultural and spiritual bonds between India and Mauritius.
Offering prayers at the historic Kashi Vishwanath temple on September 12, followed by a visit to Ayodhya, underscoring the spiritual dimension of his visit.
Discussion focus areas include defense cooperation, trade and investment relations, maritime security, promotion of trade in local currencies, and enhanced collaboration in MSME sectors under the MAHASAGAR vision launched by Modi in March 2025.
The visit also serves as a reciprocal diplomatic engagement after Modi’s attendance at Mauritius National Day celebrations earlier in 2025, further elevating India-Mauritius relations in a strategically important region.
These highlights reflect the blend of cultural diplomacy, spiritual connection, and strategic partnership central to Ramgoolam’s India visit.
Reviewed by Aparna Decors
on
September 09, 2025
Rating:
