India and Mauritius are natural partners when it comes to tackling maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean region
In a development that will enhance connectivity and strengthen the maritime security of Mauritius, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth jointly inaugurated a new airstrip and jetty in addition to several community development projects in the Indian Ocean nation’s Agalega Island on Thursday (February 29, 2024).
 
The India-assisted Agalega Airstrip, Saint James Jetty, and six community development projects were inaugurated by the two leaders via video conferencing.

Prime Minister Modi said the projects would give a further boost to the bilateral partnership; Prime Minister Jugnauth thanked India for its unconditional support to Mauritius.
 
"Mauritius is a valued friend of India. Projects being inaugurated today will further bolster the partnership between our countries," Prime Minister Modi said on social media platform X. 
 
"The opening of the new Agalega airstrip and jetty will enhance connectivity within our Republic. Our heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji @narendramodi and his Government for the unconditional support given to Mauritius," Prime Minister Jugnauth said on X.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, described the India-Mauritius relationship as an example of India's SAGAR goodwill, Neighbourhood First priority and Forward Africa solidarity. 
 
"Privileged to witness the joint inauguration of the Airstrip of Agalega, Saint James Jetty and other development projects by PM @narendramodi and PM @KumarJugnauth of Mauritius this afternoon. 
 
The India-Mauritius relationship is an example of our SAGAR goodwill, our Neighbourhood First priority and our Forward Africa solidarity. 
 
Today’s inaugurations will further strengthen this commitment," he said on X.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Modi described India and Mauritius as natural partners when it came to addressing conventional as well as non-conventional challenges related to maritime security.
 
“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”, the Indian Prime Minister added.
 
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Jugnauth had joined Prime Minister Modi and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe to launch India's Unified Payment Interface (UPI) in their respective countries. Mauritius also launched RuPay services in the country during the event joined by the three leaders via video conferencing on February 12, 2024.