Port Louis

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday met Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool during his two-day visit to the island nation, reaffirming the close and longstanding ties between India and Mauritius.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said he conveyed greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to President Gokhool, adding that their discussion reflected the warmth of bilateral relations and a shared resolve to further deepen cooperation.

The visit, scheduled from April 9 to 10, marks the first leg of Jaishankar’s four-day diplomatic tour, which will also include the United Arab Emirates.

During his stay in Mauritius, Jaishankar is participating in the 9th Indian Ocean Conference, themed “Collective Stewardship for Indian Ocean Governance.” The conference, organised by the Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with the India Foundation, brings together regional leaders to discuss issues related to maritime security and sustainable economic development.

On the sidelines of the event, the External Affairs Minister held several high-level meetings with leaders from neighbouring and Indian Ocean region countries.

He met Nepal’s newly appointed Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal and congratulated him on assuming office, while discussing ways to further strengthen cooperation and unlock the full potential of India-Nepal relations.

Jaishankar also held talks with Bhutan’s Foreign Minister D.N. Dhungyel, describing the India-Bhutan partnership as enduring and steadily progressing.

In addition, he met Seychelles Foreign Minister Barry Faure and reiterated India’s commitment to supporting the country in addressing its economic challenges, while welcoming steps taken towards implementing a Special Economic Package.

The minister also interacted with former Mauritius Prime Minister and MSM party leader Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, appreciating his continued efforts in strengthening ties between the two nations.

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Following his engagements in Mauritius, Jaishankar is scheduled to visit the UAE on April 11 to review the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the country’s leadership.