New Delhi (NVI): India today signed Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Partnership Agreement (CECPA) with Mauritius, its first such agreement with an African country. The pact will focus on post-pandemic economic recovery, enable business expansion and greater investments.
The agreement was signed in the presence of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Mauritius PM Pravind Jugnauth.
“A special day for our special relationship. Privileged to witness along with PM @JugnauthKumar the signing of Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Partnership Agreement. India’s first such agreement with an African country,” Jaishankar said in a tweet.
“Will help focus on post-pandemic economic recovery. Enable business expansion and greater investments, ” he said in another tweet.
A special day for our special relationship.
Privileged to witness along with PM @JugnauthKumar the signing of Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Partnership Agreement. India’s first such agreement with an African country. pic.twitter.com/nz6r1qLjJa
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 22, 2021
Pertinent to mention here that the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had recently approved signing of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) between India and Mauritius.
In another crucial development, India also offered a USD 100 million line of credit to Mauritius to facilitate procurement of defense assets.
“SAGAR policy reaffirmed. Pleased to witness, along with PM@JugnauthKumar, the exchange of USD 100 million Defence Line of Credit. Will facilitate procurement of defence assets, guided by the needs of Mauritius,” EAM said in a series of tweets.
Jaishankar landed in Mauritius yesterday on a two-day visit to advance trade and investment agreement with the island nation, one of India’s key partners in the Indian Ocean Region.
Apart from that, India and Mauritius also exchanged letters on provision of Dornier aircraft and Dhruv helicopter. “Will step up Mauritius’ maritime monitoring capabilities,” Jaishankar said as the letters were exchanged.
The EAM also welcomed the exchange of cooperation instruments on construction of Renal Transplant Unit, Solar Power Plant and on Consumer Protection & Legal Metrology in Mauritius.
He also held a joint address to media with Mauritius PM Pravind Jugnauth, later.
Earlier, the EAM also handed over 1,00,000 additional doses of commercially procured ‘Made in India’ COVID-19 vaccines to the Mauritius PM.
“Delighted to begin Mauritius visit with a meeting with FM Alan Ganoo. Reviewed our excellent bilateral relations & successful development partnership. Reiterated that India will be a ready partner in Mauritius’ economic recovery & revival efforts,” he said in another tweet.
-ARK
