Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honored with Mauritius’ highest civilian award, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean, during his state visit to the island nation. This recognition marks the 21st international honor bestowed upon him by a foreign country. In his speech, PM Modi expressed deep gratitude, calling the award a tribute to the historic and cultural ties between India and Mauritius and to the generations of Indians who have contributed to the country’s progress.
During his visit, PM Modi met with Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool at the State House, where he personally handed over Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards to President Gokhool and First Lady Vrinda Gokhool. The meeting was followed by a state lunch in his honor. Earlier in the day, he paid homage at the samadhis of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam and Sir Anerood Jugnauth, two leaders instrumental in shaping modern Mauritius and strengthening its ties with India. Accompanied by Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, PM Modi reflected on their lasting contributions to the nation’s development.
Addressing a large gathering of the Indian community in Mauritius, PM Modi spoke about the enduring friendship between the two nations. He highlighted the cultural and historical bonds that continue to bring India and Mauritius closer, noting that these ties transcend political and economic relations. He also emphasized India’s commitment to supporting Mauritius in various fields, from healthcare and education to economic development and capacity building.
As a special gesture, PM Modi gifted President Gokhool a brass and copper pot containing holy water from the Maha Kumbh and presented makhana, a nutritious superfood from Bihar. He also gifted a Banarasi silk saree, beautifully enclosed in an intricately designed Sadeli box from Gujarat, to the First Lady. These symbolic gifts underscored the shared heritage and traditions between the two nations.
PM Modi also visited the Ayurveda Garden at the State House, an initiative developed in collaboration with the Indian government. He expressed appreciation for Mauritius’ commitment to traditional medicine and Ayurveda, recognizing its growing popularity in the country. He praised the efforts to integrate Ayurveda into healthcare and noted India’s willingness to further support research and development in this field.
Upon his arrival in Mauritius, PM Modi was greeted with a warm and enthusiastic welcome. This visit, his first in nearly a decade, was a momentous occasion as he was invited to be the chief guest at Mauritius’ National Day celebrations. Reflecting on the honor, he noted that being part of the celebrations for the second time was a privilege and a testament to the strong relationship between the two nations.
Throughout his visit, PM Modi reiterated India’s unwavering support for Mauritius in its developmental journey. Whether through economic cooperation, infrastructure projects, or cultural exchanges, India has remained a steadfast partner to Mauritius. His visit not only reaffirmed this partnership but also reinforced the deep-rooted connections that bind the two countries together.
