India Hands Over First Batch of Electric Buses to Mauritius, Strengthening Green Partnership

Port Louis, Aug 2025 — In a significant step towards deepening bilateral development ties and promoting sustainable infrastructure, Indian High Commissioner to Mauritius, Anurag Srivastava, formally handed over the first batch of 10 electric buses (e-buses) to Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam.

The ceremonial handover took place on Wednesday at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation in Reduit, a symbolic venue reflecting the enduring friendship between India and Mauritius.

The event was attended by several Mauritian ministers, junior ministers, and senior dignitaries, marking a milestone in the two countries’ green development cooperation. The initiative is part of the broader Enhanced Strategic Partnership, reaffirmed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Mauritius in March 2025.

Sharing details of the event on X (formerly Twitter), the Indian High Commission in Port Louis stated:

“PM Ramgoolam recalled the historic State Visit of PM Modi to Mauritius in March and highlighted this e-bus project as a ‘paradigm shift in public transport and a symbol of the special relationship that has stood the test of time.’”

The Mauritian Prime Minister underscored the e-bus project’s vital role in reducing carbon emissions, cutting down fuel imports, and generating employment in the e-mobility sector. He also expressed deep appreciation for India’s sustained support across high-profile infrastructure and future-ready sectors such as the Blue Economy, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, and Food and Maritime Security.

In his address, High Commissioner Srivastava reiterated India’s commitment to a people-centric and sustainable development partnership with Mauritius. He referred to the e-buses as “moving symbols of our friendship and shared commitment to a cleaner, greener planet.”

Srivastava also highlighted other elements of India’s support for Mauritius’s green transition, which include:

• An 8 MW Solar PV Farm in Henrietta
• 100 solar-powered streetlights
• A community solar farm on Rodrigues Island

These initiatives reflect India’s holistic approach to supporting climate resilience and sustainability in its development partnerships.

During his March 2025 visit, PM Modi held bilateral talks with PM Ramgoolam and emphasized deepening the Enhanced Strategic Partnership. The two leaders also jointly inaugurated the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation, a landmark project implemented under the India-Mauritius Development Cooperation Framework, which highlights India’s commitment to capacity building in the island nation.

Both leaders acknowledged that India has been Mauritius’s leading development partner since its independence, playing a key role in its infrastructural and socio-economic growth.

PM Ramgoolam expressed gratitude for several India-supported flagship projects that have transformed Mauritius’s landscape and positively impacted diverse sectors. Notable projects include:

• The India-Mauritius Metro Express
• The New Supreme Court Building
• The ENT Hospital
• 956 Social Housing Units
• Distribution of Educational Tablets

These projects, he noted, have benefited all segments of Mauritian society, reinforcing India’s role as a trusted and enduring partner in the nation’s progress.