New Delhi buzzed with diplomatic energy on Friday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held key bilateral meetings with Mauritius Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam and Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. These encounters, held on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit, underscored India’s deepening ties with its Indian Ocean neighbors.
In his discussion with Dr. Ramgoolam, PM Modi reviewed the robust progress of the advanced strategic partnership between India and Mauritius. The leaders delved into multifaceted cooperation spanning trade and investment, maritime security, health, education, and digital collaboration. With emerging technologies reshaping global landscapes, they emphasized harnessing artificial intelligence and innovation-driven sectors to foster inclusive and sustainable development.
The talks also covered the implementation of a special economic package from India to support Mauritius’s development priorities. PM Modi highlighted Mauritius as an ideal partner in India’s development initiatives, reflecting mutual trust and a shared commitment to progress. Reaffirming the enduring significance of India-Mauritius ties under India’s Vision SAGAR and Neighborhood First policy, the leaders pledged to advance shared priorities of the Global South and mutual prosperity.
Both sides agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and continue joint efforts to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region.
Turning to Sri Lanka, President Dissanayake’s meeting with PM Modi focused on the momentum from recent high-level exchanges, including the Prime Minister’s state visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025. They assessed progress in bilateral initiatives and reiterated commitment to accelerating cooperation across physical, digital, and energy connectivity pillars.
Acknowledging technology’s pivotal role in achieving development goals, the leaders discussed synergies in AI utilization. President Dissanayake expressed gratitude for India’s swift, unconditional aid following Cyclone Ditwah. They welcomed the success of the recent Sacred Relic exhibition in Sri Lanka, stressing how civilizational bonds provide unique advantages to the India-Sri Lanka partnership.
The discussions concluded with a consensus to deepen bilateral cooperation to meet Sri Lanka’s sustainable development needs and contribute to Indian Ocean stability.