The project envisages the replacement of approximately 100 km of obsolete water pipeline in Mauritius…reports Asian Lite News
India has taken a significant step in strengthening its ties with Mauritius by extending a new Line of Credit of rupee 487.60 Crores for financing a water pipeline replacement project.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs statement, This is the first-ever rupee-denominated Line of Credit to have been extended by India for project financing to any country under the Indian Development and Economic Assistance Scheme (IDEAS).
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared a post on X, and wrote, “Strengthening our development partnership with the Global South! India extends its first Rs(Rupee) Line of Credit under the Indian Development and Economic Assistance Scheme (IDEAS). GoI supported LoC of Rs487.60 Crore financed by SBI to Mauritius at concessional terms for a Water Pipeline Replacement Project.”
The project envisages the replacement of approximately 100 km of obsolete water pipeline in Mauritius.
The GOI-supported Line of Credit will be financed by the State Bank of India at concessional terms. External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, made the formal offer to his Mauritian counterpart, Maneesh Gobin, which has now been accepted by the Government of Mauritius.
This is yet another reflection of India’s long-standing commitment to the overall socio-economic development of countries in the Global South. India’s development projects continue to be driven by the aspirations and needs of its partner countries.
Recently, Jaishakar paid an official visit to Mauritius on July 16-17. This is the first visit by EAM to Mauritius in his current term.
During his visit, EAM and Mauritius PM Pravind Kumar Jugnauth virtually inaugurated 12 India-assisted Community Development Projects. They also inaugurated a Mediclinic in Grand Bois along with the first overseas JanAushadi Kendra, testifying to the close cooperation between our countries, especially in the important sector of health.
Further, EAM met key Mauritian leaders during the visit and reaffirmed India’s commitment to the continued strengthening of the longstanding and trusted Partnership between India and Mauritius. (ANI)
Dr S. Jaishankar recalled that he had the privilege of calling on Mauritius PM Jugnauth and conveying the greetings of PM Modi…reports Asian Lite News
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s consistent and continued support for Mauritius in its quest for progress, and expressed pride in being a partner of Mauritius in its journey towards modernity.
EAM Jaishankar is on a two-day official visit to Mauritius. He made the remarks at the inauguration of projects and the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Mauritius in Port Louis, in the presence of Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth.
This marks his first bilateral visit to Port Louis after being re-appointed in the third term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
“India is truly proud to be a partner of Mauritius in your journey towards modernity and progress,” Jaishankar said in his remarks.
“Mauritius is one of the first countries that I am visiting in my current term as External Affairs Minister. It underscores the strength and depth of our bilateral ties. It is also an opportunity to underline India’s unwavering commitment to its special and enduring partnership with Mauritius,” he added.
Jaishankar further recalled that he had the privilege of calling on Mauritius PM Jugnauth and conveying the greetings of PM Modi. “I also told the Prime Minister that the people of India appreciated very deeply his presence as the Modi government was sworn in for the third time, last month,” he said.
Jaishankar reiterated that during his meeting with the Mauritius PM, they discussed various aspects of bilateral ties, including the Development Partnership, Defence and Maritime Corporation, economic and trade ties, and people-to-people linkages.
“I reiterated India’s consistent and continued support for Mauritius in its quest for progress and prosperity. After all, our ties with Mauritius benefit from four Indian priority foreign policy approaches,” the EAM said.
Jaishankar added that Mauritius is part of India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, of our Vision SAGAR, of our Africa Forward Initiative, as well as of our commitment to the Global South. “In addition, we share the closest of bonds from history and kinship,” he said.
Highlighting the deep-rooted ties, Jaishankar recalled President Draupadi Murmu’s visit to Mauritius this year as the chief guest of Mauritius National Day celebrations
“As announced then, I was honoured today to hand over the first Overseas Citizen of India cards to two very fine specimens of seventh-generation Indian origin Mauritians. This special carve-out for Mauritius further demonstrates our special and enduring ties,” he said.
Emphasising that India-Mauritius relations have actually blossomed into a robust and multifaceted partnership, Jaishankar said that it serves as a role model for India’s successful development collaboration abroad.
“…I am privileged to join him tomorrow, in inaugurating the Mediclinic in Grand Bois, built with Indian grant assistance, adding to a list of signature projects here. I will also visit another Indian assisted project, the Civil Service College in Moka, which will be ready for inauguration soon,” he noted.
Highlighting the community development projects, Jaishankar underscored that they have virtually inaugurated 12 of them today, and with this, 37 out of 96 such community projects have become operational in the span of just one year.
“Eight more, I understand, will be inaugurated in the next two months in Rodrigues and Agalega,” he added.
On space cooperation, he said that it has been translated into a concrete project with the exchange of Project Plan Document between India’s ISRO and Mauritius MRIC.
“We look forward to its early implementation so as to launch a satellite for Mauritius,” EAM said.
Jaishankar expressed pleasure in handing over the royalty payment cheque of 1.3 million Mauritian rupees towards revenues earned from the sale of Mauritian nautical charts produced by our joint hydrography service.
“This maritime collaboration is now nearly two decades old and has added value to our multifaceted cooperation,” he stressed.
He said that both nations will support the Mahatma Gandhi Institute in digitising the documented records of indentured workers, as well as provide training to MGI staff through the National Archives of India.
They also agreed to renew the term of the ICCR Chair in Sanskrit and Indian Philosophy at the MGI for another five years, Jaishankar said.
Highlighting the issue of Chagos, Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s support for Mauritius.
“India will continue its consistent support to Mauritius in line with its principal stand on decolonization and support for sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations,” he said.
Jaishankar’s visit to Port Louis comes around a month after PM Jugnauth visited India for the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with his new cabinet and Council of Ministers. (ANI)
Jugnauth lauds scope of India-Mauritius space cooperation
Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth said that the overall scope of space cooperation between India and Mauritius will foster a new era, that would allow the flow of data relating to the territory.
He made the remarks at the inauguration of projects and the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Mauritius in Port Louis. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was present on the occasion. Pravind Jugnauth spoke about his meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
He said, “This morning, I had a bilateral meeting with His Excellency, Dr Jaishankar. During this, we had truthful discussions on the future contours of a strategic partnership between Mauritius and India. A moment ago, we proceeded with an e-inauguration of 12 high-impact community development projects which will benefit the entire population.”
Speaking about the exchange of project plan document for India-Mauritius joint satellite between ISRO and MRIC, Jugnauth said, “Following the launching ceremony, we had exchange of instruments, cooperation which relate to development of National institute for curriculum research, Mauritius for the Mauritius Institute of Education, the digitisation of the Indian immigration archives at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, and the Chair for Sanskrit and Indian philosophy at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute, the exchange of the project plan document for India-Mauritius joint satellite between the Indian Space Research Organisation and Mauritius Research and Innovation Council.”
He stressed that Mauritius remains committed to maximise the use of renewable energy as mentioned in the renewable energy roadmap 2030.
Stressing that space cooperation will foster a new era, Jugnauth said, “The overall scope of the India-Mauritius space cooperation will foster a new era, which will allow the flow of data pertaining to our territory, the establishment of India-Mauritius space portal providing value-added services and will unlock new avenues for the utilisation of space technologies. Mauritius remains committed to maximise the use of renewable energy as laid out in the renewable energy roadmap 2030. I know we can count on India’s support in achieving these objectives.”
He recalled his participation at the G20 Summit held under India’s Presidency in Delhi in September last year.
Jugnauth said, “Invitation extended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi which allowed me to represent Mauritius at 2023 G20 summit, held in New Delhi provided our republic with a high-level platform to voice our concerns and ambitions regarding the various challenges posed by climate change.”
He announced that the Mauritius government has setup a committee to devise a set of guidelines and a master plan to revive the Ganga Talao spiritual sanctuary compound into a religious and cultural hub.
Mauritius PM said, “You will recall that during the recent of President Droupadi Murmu, it was announced that the government of India will support Mauritius in redevelopment of the sacred Ganga Talao spiritual sanctuary compound into religious and cultural hub. In that regard, I am pleased to announce that the government of Mauritius has setup a committee to devise a set of guidelines and masterplan to revive the sacred place. The government of India will help us in implementing the project.”
Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Seychelles reaffirmed their strong friendship with India by attending the June 9 oath-taking ceremony, writes Keshav Pradhan
One image that caught attention within and outside India when the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) headed by the BJP assumed office on June 9 was that of the guests from seven countries spreading from the east African coast to the Indian Ocean and to the Himalayas.
Seated in the forecourt of the majestic Rashtrapati Bhavan, the venue of the swearing-in ceremony in New Delhi, were Sheikh Hasina, Tshering Tobgay, Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Pravind Kumar Jugnauth (Prime Ministers of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Mauritius respectively), Ranil Wickremesinghe, Mohamed Muizzu (Presidents of Sri Lanka and the Maldives respectively) and Ahmed Afif (Vice-President of Seychelles).
Like India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives are part of the eight-member South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Owing to various reasons, the two remaining SAARC nations, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, were not invited to the ceremony.
Guiding stars: Neighbourhood First & SAGAR
For quite some time, India has been trying to develop, nurture and strengthen its relations with its neighbours under the banners of Neighbourhood First and SAGAR (Security and Growth of All in the Region). SAGAR is aimed at fortifying India’s ties with its maritime neighbours.
As part of the twin diplomatic campaigns, New Delhi has introduced the practice of inviting heads of friendly neighbouring countries to witness the assumption of power by a new government at the Centre. The first time it did so was in 2014 when the NDA assumed office under Modi’s leadership.
It had then invited heads of all SAARC nations, including Pakistan and Afghanistan. The presence of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at the Modi government’s first take-over ceremony created considerable optimism about an improvement in Indo-Pak relations that had nosedived after the Kargil conflict in 1999.
New Delhi invited heads of nations belonging to the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) to witness the ascension of the Modi-led NDA to power for a second consecutive term in 2019. The BIMSTEC comprises India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand.
Hosted in accordance with the same diplomatic tradition, the June 9 ceremony seemed to have generated considerable positivity between India and the seven invitee countries.
This became evident the moment the Maldives President accepted New Delhi’s invitation amid the turbulence he himself had created in his country’s traditional ties with India by getting closer to China last year.
The arrival of Hasina, Tobgay, Dahal and Wickremesinghe and their subsequent public statements indicated their countries’ growing affinity with India’s Neighbourhood First Policy.
New Delhi maintains that it accords paramount importance to its neighbours to promote both bilateral and multilateral ties in South Asia and the region extending from the Bay of Bengal to the western end of the Indian Ocean.
India’s confidence emanates from the fact that it’s the only country that is connected to all nations in the region either by land or sea, or by both. Without its support, trade, and commerce between different SAARC, Southeast Asian and Indian Ocean countries will either be very difficult or extremely expensive.
Continuity as friendship propeller
Most of India’s friends hope that the continuity of rule by the same dispensation in New Delhi may significantly help in promoting economic growth and people-centric friendship under landmark initiatives like Neighbourhood First, Act East Policy, BIMSTEC, Bangladesh-Bhutan-India Nepal (BBIN) and SAGAR.
Besides, SAARC-run economic systems such as the South Asian Free Trade Agreement (Safta) and SAARC Preferential Trade Agreement (SAPTA) are already there to boost bilateral as well as multilateral trade.
Such continuity of rule in Bangladesh, where Hasina took charge for a fourth successive term earlier this year, is believed to be one of the key reasons why Dhaka and New Delhi have moved so close to each other in recent years.
Likewise, Bhutan recently elected Tobgay, known to have a soft corner for India, as its PM again after a gap of five years. He has the distinction of attending all three swearing-in ceremonies of Modi, whom he fondly calls his guru. Between 2014 and 2019, the Bhutanese PM was serving his first term in office.
In Nepal, Dahal managed to retain power by replacing his partner, the Nepali Congress, with his friend-turned-foe, Kharga Prasad Sharma Oli’s Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist) last month.
If the Nepali Congress is known for its pro-Delhi leaning, Oli is considered to be soft towards Beijing. Despite this, Dahal attended the assumption of power by the NDA government amid controversy over his government’s recent decision to include Kalapani in maps on Nepal’s currency notes.
Both Kathmandu and New Delhi claim Kalapani, close to the Uttarakhand-Tibet-Nepal tri-junction, as their own. The dispute hit the headlines in 2020 when India built a road in Kalapani and Nepal under Oli put it on its map in retaliation. Dahal, in power since December 2022, has refrained from taking up this matter with India.
In view of all this, S. Jaishankar’s appointment as India’s External Affairs Minister for a second consecutive term may come in handy for Delhi while dealing with neighbourhood leaders, most of whom he is familiar with.
Marching along highway of hope
Modi had once described as ‘Sonali Adhdhaya’ (golden chapter) the present phase of India-Bangladesh ties. Bhutan may go even farther as far as proximity to India is concerned.
Occasions such as the June 9 ceremony may encourage every invitee country to discuss matters of bilateral or multilateral importance in a forceful, cordial, and constructive manner.
Almost all of them recognise New Delhi’s rapidly growing regional and global importance. India is a key member of QUAD, G20 and many other influential international security and economic groups.
India’s neighbours, which are bound by a common history, culture, heritage, geography and economy, acknowledge trade, energy, infrastructure, connectivity, defence, science, and security as pillars of their friendship with New Delhi.
(The author is an ex-editor of The Times of India who writes on diplomatic/SAARC affairs, Nepal, Bhutan, and China-Tibet issues; views expressed here are his own) –India News Network
During his meeting with Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay, Jaishankar spoke about the “unique and multifaceted friendship” between the two nations…reports Asian Lite News
Union Minister S Jaishankar on Monday called upon Prime Ministers of Bhutan, Nepal, and Mauritius and Seychelles Vice President, who had attended the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
After meeting Seychelles Vice President Ahmed Afif, Jaishankar said he looked forward to strengthening ties between the two nations.
In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, “Good to meet Vice President Ahmed Afif of Seychelles. Look forward to further strengthening our long-standing partnership.”
During his meeting with Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay, Jaishankar spoke about the “unique and multifaceted friendship” between the two nations.
Sharing details regarding the meeting, Jaishankar in a post on X stated, “Great to meet PM Tshering Tobgay of Bhutan. Spoke about our unique and multifaceted friendship.”
Jaishankar called upon Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and discussed the growing facets of cooperation between the two nations.
“So glad to call on PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ of Nepal. Discussed the growing various facets of India-Nepal cooperation,” Jaishankar posted on X.
Jaishankar also called upon Mauritius PM Pravind Jugnauth. Mentioning details regarding his meeting, Jaishankar in a post on X stated, “Pleased to call on PM Pravind Jugnauth of Mauritius. Our conversation reflected the special India-Mauritius bond.”
Earlier in the day, Union Minister S Jaishankar called upon heads of states of Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Bangladesh who had attended the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. After calling on Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, Jaishankar stated that he looks forward to seeing New Delhi and Male work together.
“Delighted to call on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu of Maldives today in New Delhi. Look forward to India and Maldives working together closely,” Jaishankar posted on X.
In another post on the X platform, Jaishankar after calling upon Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, “Honoured to call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh today. The India-Bangladesh Maitri continues to advance.”
Jaishankar, who served as the External Affairs Minister in the previous cabinet of Prime Minister Modi called upon Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
“Appreciate President Ranil Wickremesinghe of Sri Lanka for receiving me this morning in New Delhi. Recognised the steady progress in India-Sri Lanka relations,” Jaishankar posted on X. (ANI)
During the visit, President Murmu and Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth will jointly inaugurate 14 India-assisted projects…reports Asian Lite News
In a further fillip to India-Mauritius ties, President Droupadi Murmu on Monday embarked on a state visit to the island nation from March 11-13 to attend the National Day celebrations as a chief guest.
A contingent of the Indian Navy will also participate in the March 12 celebrations along with two Ships of the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron — INS Tir and CGS Sarathi.
“A new milestone in India-Mauritius ties. President Droupadi Murmu embarks on a state visit to Mauritius. President will attend the Mauritius National Day celebrations as the Chief Guest tomorrow,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a post on X.
During the visit, President Murmu and Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth will jointly inaugurate 14 India-assisted projects, showcasing the growing expanse and multifaceted nature of India’s development partnership.
Her visit comes days after Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Jugnauth jointly inaugurated a new airstrip and a jetty along with six other community development projects in Agalega Island.
“As the sixth Indian President to grace the Mauritian National Day as the Chief Guest since 2000, President Droupadi Murmu’s state visit underscores the longstanding and enduring ties between India and Mauritius,” Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, had said in an announcement last week.
President Murmu will also hold bilateral meetings with her Mauritius counterpart Prithvirajsing Roopun and PM Jugnauth.
In addition, she will meet the Speaker of the Mauritius National Assembly, the Chief Justice of the Mauritian Supreme Court, and other important Mauritian leaders.
According to an MEA release, the President will also witness the exchange of the key bilateral agreements that seek to strengthen the robust bilateral institutional collaboration and capacity-building cooperation between the two countries.
She will pay homage to Mauritian leaders at the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden and also visit historical and cultural sites.
This includes visits to the Aapravasi Ghat, where Indian indentured labourers first arrived in Mauritius, the Intercontinental Slavery Museum, and the sacred Ganga Talao.
Additionally, she will address Mauritian youth at the University of Mauritius and socio-cultural organisations, members of the Indian diaspora, and the Indian community at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute.
Jugnauth said that the setting up of the facilities of the new airstrip and St James Jetty in Agalega is the fulfillment of yet another Mauritian dream which people of many generations have lived in their hearts….reports Asian Lite news
Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth on Thursday, thanked his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, for giving a new dimension to ties between the two countries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jugnauth today jointly inaugurated six community development projects in Mauritius via videoconferencing.
“Indeed, we are making history today on the Islands of Agalega, where the inauguration of new airstrip, new jetty, and several other development projects. This event marks another great moment for the remarkable and exemplary partnership between Mauritius and India, the Mauritius Prime Minister said.
Jugnauth said that the setting up of the facilities of the new airstrip and St James Jetty in Agalega is the fulfillment of yet another Mauritian dream which people of many generations have lived in their hearts.
“This could not have been possible without the assistance of India which has entirely financed these infrastructural projects,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to PM Modi for special consideration that he has given to Mauritius since he assumed the responsibility as India’s Prime Minister. Lauding the role of Indian diaspora, he said that these people have strongly established themselves as a “global powerhouse of values, knowledge and success.”
Jugnauth said, “I wish here to heartily thank Shri Narendra Modi Ji for giving a totally new dimension to the Mauritius-India relationship and partnership. I also wish to express my deep gratitude to you, Narendra Modi Ji, for taking time out of your busy schedule to honour us with your gracious presence on this momentous occasion.”
Expressing gratitude to PM Modi for his efforts towards Mauritius since assuming office, Jugnauth said, “Modi Ji, I wish to convey to you the profound gratitude of the government and the people of Mauritius for the special consideration you have given to our country ever since you assumed responsibility as the Prime Minister of the Republic of India.”
“As your inspiring leadership and statesmanship radiates across the world, the people of India and the Indian diaspora have strongly established themselves as a global powerhouse of values, knowledge and success. Today, the people of Agalega are very proud of the developments that are taking place on the island,” he added.
He said that India’s support to Mauritius is “far reaching” and added that his country became the first nation to adopt the Jan Aushadhi Scheme.
Highlighting India’s support for Mauritius, he said, “India’s support to our republic is indeed far-reaching. and not later than yesterday, again, thanks to your special consideration towards our Republic, Mauritius became the first country to adopt the Jan Aushadhi scheme.”
Speaking about benefits of Jan Aushadhi Scheme for people of Mauritius, he said, “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 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.
The Jan Aushadhi Scheme (JAS) is a government initiative that aims to provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices. The scheme was launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers in 2008.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was present during the inauguration of the projects. In an earlier press release, 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.
The inauguration of these projects is significant as it comes after the recent launch of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and RuPay Card services in Mauritius by PM Modi and Mauritius counterpart Jugnauth on February 12. (ANI)
PM Modi said that India and Mauritius are the natural partners in maritime security to deal with the challenges….reports Asian Lite News
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday called the India-Mauritius relationship an example of India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) goodwill as Prime Ministers of both countries jointly inaugurated a new airstrip and a jetty in Agalega Island.
Calling Mauritius a “valued friend of India”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterpart Pravind Jugnauth inaugurated the Agalega Airstrip, Saint James Jetty, and six other community development projects on the Island via video conferencing today.
Taking to his X, S.Jaishankar said that he is “privileged” to witness the event and that the relationship between the two nations is an example of our SAGAR goodwill, our Neighbourhood First priority, and our Forward Africa solidarity”.
“Today’s inaugurations will further strengthen this commitment, the minister said.
The Vision SAGAR aims to bolster India’s maritime capabilities and enhance its presence in the Indian Ocean Region.
Through this vision, India seeks to deepen economic and security cooperation with its maritime partners and assist in building their maritime security capabilities.
Addressing the occasion, PM Modi said Mauritius is a key partner of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ and a special partner under Vision SAGAR.
“As members of Global South, we have common priorities and the last 10 years have seen unprecedented momentum in the relations between the two countries and new heights of mutual cooperation have been achieved,” the Prime Minister said.
Referring to traditional and non-traditional challenges in the Indian Ocean Region which affect the two economies, PM Modi said that India and Mauritius are the natural partners in maritime security to deal with these challenges.
“We are actively working to ensure security, prosperity and stability in the Indian Ocean Region. We are cooperating in all areas like monitoring of Exclusive Economic Zone, joint patrolling, hydrography, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief,” PM Modi added.
A statement from his office earlier stated that the inauguration of these projects is a testimony to the robust and decades-old development partnership between India and Mauritius and will fulfil the demand for better connectivity between mainland Mauritius and Agalega, strengthen maritime security and foster socio-economic development
The inauguration of these projects is significant as it follows the recent launch of UPI and RuPay Card services in Mauritius by the two leaders on February 12.
Prabhu Ram, Head, Industry Intelligence Group at CMR, told that UPI’s debut in Sri Lanka and Mauritius marks a series of ongoing pivotal steps in making digital payments more pervasive globally…reports Asian Lite News
The launch of Unified Payment Interface (UPI) services in Sri Lanka and Mauritius by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a significant step in establishing India’s global leadership in fintech and payments innovation, the industry said on Monday.
PM Modi, along with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, inaugurated the launch of UPI, and also RuPay card services in Mauritius, via video conferencing.
“UPI has truly revolutionised the way we pay every day in India. With this expansion, UPI will bring convenience and digital growth to these countries and open new opportunities for cross-border commerce and travel,” Upasana Taku, Co-founder and CFO, MobiKwik, told IANS.
PM Modi underlined that fintech connectivity will further strengthen cross-border transactions and connections.
“India’s UPI comes in a new role today — Uniting Partners with India,” he emphasised.
Prabhu Ram, Head, Industry Intelligence Group at CMR, told that UPI’s debut in Sri Lanka and Mauritius marks a series of ongoing pivotal steps in making digital payments more pervasive globally.
“UPI will facilitate commerce, foster great economic integration, boost cross-border travel, and simplify tourist experiences for Indian tourists,” he said.
Speaking about the convenience and speed of UPI transactions, PM Modi informed that more than 100 billion transactions took place via UPI last year, worth Rs 2 lakh crores or 8 trillion Sri Lankan rupees or 1 trillion Mauritius rupees.
The extension of RuPay card services in Mauritius will also enable Mauritian banks to issue cards based on RuPay mechanism in the country and facilitate usage of RuPay Card for settlements in India and Mauritius.
UPI has facilitated over 40 per cent of India’s digital transactions, highlighting the country’s potential for embracing fintech innovations. The rapid expansion of fintech in India has created a significant need for skilled professionals, particularly in IT, engineering and sales.
“Over 60 per cent of fintech firms seek proficient personnel to navigate this dynamic landscape. To meet these demands, apprenticeship programmes are vital in nurturing talent and bridging the skills gap,” said Dhriti Prasanna Mahanta, Vice President & Business Head, TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship.
‘One Earth One Family One Future’ a perfect theme for G20, says Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth…reports Asian Lite News
Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth hailed India’s G20 Presidency and said that there couldn’t have been a better them for the summit than ‘One Earth, One Family and One Future’, which translates to ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.
He also thanked India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inviting Mauritius as a Guest Country at the G20 Summit and affirmed contributing at the summit.
In an exclusive interview to ANI, Jugnauth said, “I must thank the government of India, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for having invited Mauritius as a Guest Country to attend this G20 Summit. Mauritius is very honoured and privileged to be participating. We have contributed throughout the year and we are going to contribute to this Summit. This is being held at a very critical juncture because we have been facing the COVID-19 pandemic. We were at a situation when the whole world was at its knees. On top of that, it is being compounded now with this conflict in Ukraine. We also see the effects of climate change”.
“So, it is important for a summit like this one all the countries to sit down and see how we can bounce back. I think there is a need for us to be resilient, there is a need to review our policies in view of the lessons that we can draw from those events,” he added.
He further said that amid the ongoing conflicts in Africa and Ukraine, and issues like climate change, the issues being put up by India under its presidency are very pertinent.
“I think there could not have been a better theme that has been chosen by India – One Earth, One Family and One Future – which is drawn from the Sanskrit phase of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. I think this is pertinent more so when we look at the effect of climate change because what one country does, not only affects that country but also the whole world. That is why, we have to reflect collectively and we have to act collectively,” the Prime Minister said.
He added, “Each one of us has a duty to save the planet and save the whole population. I am happy to see that India has taken this very inclusive approach and to try to get everybody on board. There have been a number of meetings before the summit, and there have been a lot of proposals and ideas that have been edited. I am very confident that we are going to make progress”.
Earlier in the day, Mauritius PM Jugnauth arrived at the New Delhi Airport on Thursday for the G20 Summit, which will be held here in the national capital from September 9-10. He was received at the Airport by Shripad Naik Union Minister of State for Ports, and Shipping. (ANI)
New Delhi gets final touch ahead of summit
The New Delhi Municipal Council is decorating thousands of trees and installing G20 floral boards to further beautify the city’s landscape ahead of the G20 Leaders Summit.
NDMC Vice Chairman Satish Upadhyay said work has already begun on the preparation and installation of 20 flower boards prominently displaying the G20 logo and slogan – “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – One Earth, One Family, One Future” at strategic locations across New Delhi.
“In addition, thousands of trees falling in high-traffic areas frequented by our distinguished guests will be decorated with flowers for the main G20 events scheduled for September 8-10,” he said,
Delhi is all decked up to host the G20 summit on September 9 and 10.
The 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi will be a culmination of all the G20 processes and meetings held throughout the year among ministers, senior officials, and civil societies.
The NDMC has already beautified roads, footpaths, roundabouts, markets, flyovers and public areas with over 1 lakh potted plants grown in the state-of-the-art NDMC hi-tech nurseries.
Over 3 thousand trees and an impressive 9 lakh saplings have been planted across New Delhi.
Upadhyay said that the Council, as the apex civic body, is ready to showcase the beauty of New Delhi to the world during the G20 Summit. (ANI)
Deepak Balgobin, representing Mauritius, expressed gratitude to the Indian government for inviting Mauritius as a guest country to the G20 Summit….reports Asian Lite News
Mauritius Minister of Information and Technology, Communication and Innovation Deepak Balgobin said on Thursday that Mauritius is like ‘Chhota Bharat’ and it has blood relations with India and not just diplomatic ties.
On behalf of the government of Mauritius, Deepak Balgobin thanked the government of India for having invited Mauritius as a guest country to the G20 Summit.
Further, he said, “Mauritius is, as we say, in our language, like ‘Chhota Bharat’ because, we have not only diplomatic relations, but we have blood relations.”
“And, as a minister of information technology, communication and innovation, We have signed a collaboration with the Ministry of ICT Electronics here in India so that we could collaboration with India and Mauritius government, in terms of development, emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and others,” Mauritius Mnister of Information Technology Deepak Balgobin said while speaking to ANI.
“Through our relationship, we are going to do more in terms of technology and get expertise from India. Get experience, knowledge from India,” he added.
He further said that Mauritius is also working with India in space technology.
“We’re also working on the space technology. We are, working together with ISRO and one of my institutions that is under my portfolio, where we are seeking experienced and valuable help from ISRO to help Mauritius in terms of based technology,” he said.
Deepak Balgobin, Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation visited the G20-DIA summit in Bengaluru, Karnataka today.
The two-day Digital Innovation Alliance summit, being held on the sidelines of the fourth meeting of the ‘Digital Economy Working Group’ under G20, is being attended by global experts and digital leaders including representatives from other G20 countries.
The Summit is focused on discussions on ‘Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)’, ‘Security in the Digital Economy’, and ‘Digital Skilling’.
As part of India’s G20 Presidency, G20 Digital Innovation Alliance (G20-DIA) initiative was launched under MeitY Startup Hub. It recognizes and accelerates the growth of startups from all G20 countries and nine invited guest countries in six sectors – Ed-tech, Health-tech, Agri-tech, Fin-tech, Secured Digital Infrastructure, and Circular Economy that are using digital technologies to solve humanity’s most pressing needs.
A total of 174 startups from 29 countries are part of the program. These startups will pitch to a jury of global leaders at the G20-DIA Summit.
The Summit will culminate on August 18 with an awards ceremony in which 30 startups will be honoured in various categories. (ANI)
