PM Modi Honored in Mauritius, strengthening Deep India-Mauritius Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s recent visit to Mauritius served as a powerful reaffirmation of the enduring friendship and mutual respect between India and Mauritius.Modi, recalling his visit from 10 years prior, emphasized the deep-rooted connections, describing the two nations as “one family.” This visit, rich in both symbolism and substance, highlighted the shared history, heritage, and values that bind India and Mauritius together. The two-day trip included significant cultural exchanges and the conferment of Mauritius’ highest honor upon the Prime Minister.

Upon his arrival in Mauritius, Prime Minister narendra Modi greeted the Indian community with folded hands, reminiscing about his previous visit a decade ago. He remarked, I visited Mauritius 10 years ago, on the same day. It was a week after Holi… this time, I will take the colours of Holi with me to India. His words underscored the personal connection he feels with the island nation and its people.

Mauritius Bestows Highest Honor on PM Modi

In a significant gesture of goodwill, Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam announced the conferment of the nation’s highest award, ‘The grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian ocean,’ upon PM Modi. This prestigious honor recognizes Modi’s contributions to strengthening the ties between India and Mauritius. Accepting the award with gratitude, PM Modi stated:

The people and the government of Mauritius have decided to confer upon me their highest civilian honor.I humbly accept this decision with great respect. This is not just an honour for me,it is indeed an honour for the historic bond between India and Mauritius.

The award symbolizes the deep gratitude Mauritius holds for India’s partnership and support.

“Mauritius Is Family”: Strengthening Bilateral Relations

Throughout his visit, PM Modi reiterated the sentiment that Mauritius is more then just a partner to India; it is family. He emphasized the shared cultural heritage and the strong people-to-people connections that bind the two nations. He noted that during the Pran prathistha ceremony in Ayodhya, celebrations were not confined to India but extended to Mauritius, reflecting the shared cultural and spiritual values.

PM Modi also presented Gangajal (holy water) from Maha Kumbh to President Dharambeer Gokhool, symbolizing the spiritual connection between the two countries. This holy water will be offered to the Ganga pond here tomorrow. 50 years ago, Ganga jal was brought to Mauritius from Gaumukh and was offered to the Ganga pond, Modi stated, highlighting the historical and ongoing significance of this sacred offering.

Highlighting the cultural mosaic of Mauritius, PM Modi remarked:

If we look in terms of language and food, there is a mini-India residing in Mauritius. this is mini-India.

He also humorously added, chances of an Indian film becoming a hit increases if it is shot in Mauritius, acknowledging the island’s popularity as a filming location for Indian cinema.

Reiterating India’s commitment to Mauritius, PM Modi affirmed:

Mauritius is not just a partner country. for us, Mauritius is family. This bond is deep and strong, rooted in history, heritage and the human spirit. Mauritius is also a bridge connecting India to the wider global south. A decade ago, in 2015, on my first as the PM, I announced India’s SAGAR vision. SAGAR means Security and growth for All in the Region.Today, Mauritius is still at the heart of this vision.

India’s Steadfast support for Mauritius

PM Modi emphasized India’s unwavering support for Mauritius in various sectors, from investment and infrastructure to commerce and crisis response. He highlighted India’s role in capacity building in Mauritius and its prompt response during times of crisis.

Whether it is indeed investment or infrastructure, commerce or crisis response, India always stands with Mauritius…India is a proud partner in capacity building in Mauritius, said PM Modi.

He cited the COVID-19 pandemic as an example, noting that During COVID-19, india was the first country to deliver one lakh vaccines and essential medicines. He further added, When Mauritius faces a crisis, India is the first respondent. When Mauritius prospers, India is the first to celebrate. For us,Mauritius is family.

Special Mention of Bihar and Makhana

During his address, prime Minister Modi also spoke in both Hindi and Bhojpuri, connecting with the Indian community on a deeper level. He highlighted the superfood Makhana (foxnuts), stating, Bihar’s makhana will soon be a part of the global snack menu. He also expressed his personal fondness for makhana.

OCI Cards for Mauritian Prime Minister and Wife

In a special gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the issuance of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards to his Mauritian counterpart, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, and his wife, Veena Ramgoolam. This proclamation was made at a community event attended by over 3,500 people, including members of the Mauritius cabinet, government officials, and National Assembly members. PM Modi personally handed over the OCI cards to Mr. Ramgoolam and Veena at the beginning of the event.

Two-Day Visit Highlights

The first day of PM Modi’s two-day visit included a meeting with Prime minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. The two leaders visited the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, where they jointly planted a tree under the ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’ campaign. PM Modi also paid homage to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, the first Prime Minister and founding father of Mauritius, and Sir Anerood Jugnauth, a former President and Prime Minister of Mauritius.

Later,PM Modi met with Dharambeer Gokhool,President of the Republic of Mauritius,at the State house. During this meeting,PM Modi presented Gangajal (holy water) from Maha Kumbh and superfood Makhana (foxnuts) to president Gokhool,and a Banarasi saree in a Sadeli box to the First Lady of Mauritius,Brinda Gokhool.

Conclusion

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius reaffirmed the strong and enduring bond between India and mauritius. The conferment of Mauritius’ highest honor, the numerous cultural exchanges, and the reaffirmation of India’s commitment to supporting Mauritius’ growth underscored the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations. The visit served as a powerful reminder of the shared history, heritage, and values that unite India and Mauritius as “one family.”