Varanasi, Sept. 12 -- 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. It is Ramgoolam's first overseas bilateral visit to India in his present term. He will also visit Ayodhya and Tirupati. The prime minister said that a free, open, secure, stable and prosperous Indian Ocean is a shared priority of both India and Mauritius. "In this context, India is fully committed to strengthening the security and maritime capacity of Mauritius' Exclusive Economic Zone," he said. "India has always stood as the first responder and a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region," he added. Modi also congratulated Ramgoolam and the people of Mauritius on the conclusion of the Chagos agreement, describing it as a "historic victory" for the island nation's sovereignty." "India has always supported decolonisation and the full recognition of Mauritius's sovereignty. And in this, India has stood firmly with Mauritius," he said. The UK is giving up the rights of the islands after more than 50 years. Under the agreement, the UK will have full responsibility for security of strategically-located Diego Garcia.Ramgoolam is currently on a state visit to India from September 9 to 16. Modi, who attended the National Day celebrations of Mauritius in March, said they reviewed bilateral cooperation and shared views on regional and global issues. "It is a matter of pride for India to be a trusted and primary partner in the development of Mauritius." Modi said India will support the construction of an AYUSH Centre of Excellence, a 500-bed Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital, and a veterinary school hospital in Mauritius. He said India's package for Mauritius is not an assistance, but an investment in a shared future. Modi added that the two countries will work towards enabling trade in local currency....