Narendra Modi in Varanasi: UP Congress chief Ajay Rai detained; PM to meet Mauritius counterpart today

NEW DELHI: UP Congress chief Ajay Rai was detained on Thursday ahead of his planned protest during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s roadshow in Varanasi. PM Modi is scheduled to meet Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, who is on a state visit to India from September 9 to 16, at around 11.30am in Varanasi. Ramgoolam arrived in Kashi on September 9, where he was accorded a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel. Later in the day, PM Modi will travel to Dehradun to undertake an aerial survey of flood-affected areas in Uttarakhand at 4.15pm and chair a high-level review meeting at 5pm. The meeting in Varanasi highlights the historic civilisational and spiritual ties between India and Mauritius. During bilateral talks, the leaders are expected to review the full spectrum of cooperation, focusing on development partnerships, capacity building, and opportunities in health, education, science & technology, energy, infrastructure, renewable energy, digital public infrastructure, and the blue economy.

The visit follows PM Modi’s March 2025 state visit to Mauritius, which elevated the bilateral relationship to an 'Enhanced Strategic Partnership'. As a key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius plays an important role in India’s MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Region) vision and the 'Neighbourhood First' policy, strengthening ties that benefit both nations and the broader Global South.