Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a rousing welcome in his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, as residents showered flowers on his convoy and chanted slogans on Thursday. The vibrant reception came ahead of his bilateral talks with Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, aimed at strengthening the India-Mauritius Enhanced Strategic Partnership.

The streets of Varanasi were decked with decorations, Tricolour flags, and enthusiastic supporters waving BJP banners as Modi’s convoy passed. Locals lined up in large numbers, cheering and displaying the city’s strong bond with its representative.

The highlight of Modi’s visit is the high-level meeting with Ramgoolam, who is on an eight-day visit to India. The discussions are expected to cover a wide spectrum of cooperation, including development partnership, healthcare, education, renewable energy, science and technology, and infrastructure. Special focus will also be placed on digital public infrastructure, the blue economy, and maritime security.

Earlier, Mauritius PM Ramgoolam held talks with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, reaffirming commitment to deepening bilateral ties anchored in history, culture, and people-to-people connect.

The Varanasi Summit comes months after Modi’s state visit to Mauritius in March, where both countries elevated their ties to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership. As a vital partner in the Indian Ocean Region, Mauritius plays a key role in advancing India’s MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Region) Vision and the Neighbourhood First policy.

The grand welcome in Varanasi underlined not only Modi’s popularity in his constituency but also the symbolic importance of hosting the Mauritius leader in one of India’s oldest and most spiritual cities.