India, Sept. 11 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday met his Mauritian counterpart, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi, calling the two countries not just partners but a family.

"India and Mauritius are two nations, but our dreams and destiny are one," said Modi at a joint press conference with Ramgoolam. He called it a matter of pride to host Ramgoolam in his constituency. Modi said Varanasi has been a symbol of India's civilization and cultural soul. "Our culture and traditions reached Mauritius from India centuries ago." He added that the Indian culture has been enriching Mauritius.

Modi, who attended the National Day celebrations of Mauritius in March, said they reviewed bilateral cooperation a...