India and Mauritius have agreed to deepen energy cooperation, including long-term supplies of key petroleum products…reports Asian Lite News Desk
India and Mauritius have discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector, including long-term supplies of petroleum products, during a meeting between India’s Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam.
Puri met Ramgoolam during his official visit to Mauritius from August 20 to 22. The Indian High Commission said the two leaders discussed opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation in energy and that Puri reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting Mauritius’ energy security and transition.
Following the meeting, the two sides exchanged a government-to-government Memorandum of Understanding on oil and gas cooperation, along with an agreement between Indian Oil Corporation Ltd and Mauritius’ State Trading Corporation.
The agreements are aimed at meeting Mauritius’ requirements for petrol, diesel, marine gas oil and Aviation Turbine Fuel. The Indian High Commission said they would provide greater certainty over long-term supplies and help protect Mauritius from price volatility, strengthening the country’s energy security.
The agreements form part of wider efforts by India and Mauritius to deepen their longstanding bilateral relationship across strategic and economic sectors.
The energy discussions came as the two countries continued to highlight their close ties. Last week, Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool joined Indian High Commissioner Anurag Srivastava at a reception hosted by the Indian High Commission to mark India’s 80th Independence Day.
The event was attended by Prime Minister Ramgoolam, Deputy Prime Minister Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie, Vice-President Robert Hungley, Chief Justice Rehana Mungly-Gulbul, Speaker Shirin Aumeeruddy-Cziffra, ministers, members of parliament, business representatives, socio-cultural organisations and members of the media.
During the reception, Srivastava highlighted key developments in India-Mauritius relations over the past year, including the Enhanced Strategic Partnership and the announcement of a $680 million Special Economic Package.
He also pointed to the inauguration of a Renal Transplant Unit and the handover of 100 electric buses as examples of ongoing cooperation between the two countries.
The Indian High Commissioner also highlighted planned projects, including a joint satellite initiative and an e-judiciary project.
The latest energy agreements come as India and Mauritius seek to expand practical cooperation in areas linked to energy security, infrastructure, technology and economic development.
The Indian High Commission said the agreements would support Mauritius’ energy requirements while strengthening the broader partnership between the two countries.
