Mauritius extends support to India on UNSC seat

Mauritius reaffirmed its 'unwavering support' to the 'legitimate' bid of India for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.

"I wish to seize this opportunity to reiterate the unwavering support of Mauritius to the legitimate bid of India for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council," Mauritius President Rajkeswur Purryag said at the 11th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD).

Just as Mauritius, the home countries of PIOs (People of Indian Origin) can and do play a resource role in the unfolding growth of India and its aspirations as a global player, Purryag, the chief guest at the three-day annual event, said.

The rising India does elevate the political standing of PIOs in their home countries as they are increasingly considered as 'important bridges' as intermediaries in strengthening relations with India, he said.

'Connectivity remains essential to position and re-position ourselves. PIOs provide important aspects of that connectivity that a fast emerging India needs', he said.

Describing the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas as a 'formidable' forum for promoting connectivity between India and PIOs, he said it should continue to reflect on ways and means to build greater synergies and institutional connections between India and Pravasi Indian community in the relevant socio-economic development sectors including culture, education, business, tourism, academia, science and technology.

Paying his special tribute to the leaders of Gadar Movement, the president said their revolutionary ideas and bravery 'ignited the passion of freedom fighters in their struggle to gree their Motherland'. 'Let us be inspired by their indomitable will and spirit', he said.

The manner in which the NRIs, especially those in the developed countries, can contribute to India's growth performance may be different from that of PIO. But both have an 'equal weightage' in this contribution.

The outward remittance from Maurtius by its nationals into India for the last two years stood at approximately at 55.3 million US dollars.

Mauritius cumulative contribution into India's investment flows has amounted to 326.3 billion US dollars, which was 38 per cent of the total equity inflows since 2000.