India, March 10 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday that his two-day visit to Mauritius would open a "new and bright" chapter on the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

The Prime Minister will visit the island nation on March 11 and 12 and will participate in its 57th National Day. He was invited by Mauritius Prime Minister Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam.

In his departure statement, Modi said, "Mauritius is a close maritime neighbour, a key partner in the Indian Ocean, and a gateway to the African Continent. We are connected by history, geography and culture. Deep mutual trust, a shared belief in the values of democracy, and a celebration of our diversity are our strengths. The close and historical people-to-people c...