New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a grand welcome in his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, on Thursday as residents showered flowers on his convoy. People lined both sides of the streets near the Taj Hotel, waving the Tricolour and BJP flags, while chanting “Modi, Modi.”
The ancient city was decked up with elaborate decorations and arrangements ahead of the Prime Minister’s engagements.
#WATCH | Locals gave a rousing welcome to PM Narendra Modi, showering flower petals and raising slogans of ‘Modi, Modi’ & ‘Har Har Mahadev’ in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi
The PM is on a two-day visit to the city to inaugurate Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project pic.twitter.com/155VrYjEpT
— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) December 13, 2021
Bilateral Talks with Mauritius PM
PM Modi is in Varanasi to hold high-level talks with his Mauritian counterpart, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, focused on advancing the ‘Enhanced Strategic Partnership’ between the two nations.
The meeting in Varanasi is designed to showcase the civilisational connect, spiritual linkages, and enduring people-to-people bonds that have long shaped India–Mauritius relations.
Key Agendas on the Table
During the discussions, both leaders are expected to review the full range of cooperation, with emphasis on development partnership and capacity building. They will also explore collaboration in:
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Healthcare and education
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Science, technology, and energy
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Infrastructure development
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Renewable energy, digital public infrastructure, and the blue economy
The talks build on the momentum of PM Modi’s state visit to Mauritius in March, when bilateral ties were officially elevated to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership.
Strategic and Regional Significance
As a close maritime neighbour and key partner in the Indian Ocean Region, Mauritius is central to India’s MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Region) Vision and the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. The partnership is also seen as vital to advancing the shared aspirations of the Global South.
The Varanasi Summit is expected to mark a milestone in India–Mauritius relations, reinforcing their commitment to mutual prosperity, sustainable development, and regional security.
Foreign Secretary’s Meeting
Earlier in the day, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met PM Ramgoolam in Varanasi.
“Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri called on PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam of Mauritius today in Varanasi. Discussed multifaceted partnership and reaffirmed commitment in strengthening India-Mauritius Enhanced Strategic Partnership anchored in shared history, culture & people-to-people ties,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) posted on X.