On Tuesday, Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, announced that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will receive the prestigious Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean. This is the highest honor in Mauritius and makes PM Modi the first Indian recipient of this award.
PM Modi’s recognition reflects a significant moment in diplomatic relations, as this marks the 21st international award he has earned from a foreign nation. During the announcement, PM Ramgoolam described the award as “very fitting,” commending PM Modi for his role in enhancing the friendship between India and Mauritius. Since Mauritius became a Republic, only five foreign leaders have received this distinguished title, including Nelson Mandela in 1998.
The announcement took place at a special event attended by the Indian community in Mauritius, where the national anthems of both countries were played, with both leaders present.
While in Mauritius, PM Modi was the Chief Guest at the country’s National Day celebrations, emphasizing the strong ties between the two nations. He participated in various activities designed to promote bilateral relations.
One notable visit included a tour of the Ayurveda Garden at the State House, a project supported by India. Alongside President Gokhool, he admired how the garden promotes traditional Indian medicine and noted the increasing interest in Ayurveda in Mauritius.
During a special lunch hosted by President Gokhool, PM Modi expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome he received and reiterated India’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Mauritius.
Addressing the Indian diaspora, PM Modi recalled his last visit to Mauritius, which coincided with the Holi festival ten years ago. With Holi approaching in India, he expressed his enthusiasm for taking the festival’s spirit back to his home country. “I came to Mauritius 10 years ago on this date. It was a week after Holi, and I brought the joy of ‘Phagwa’ with me. This time, I will take the colors of Holi with me to India,” he shared.
PM Modi highlighted the deep historical ties between India and Mauritius, saying, “For us, Mauritius is family! This bond is strong, grounded in history and shared values. Mauritius also serves as a bridge connecting India to the greater Global South.”
He reiterated India’s unwavering support for Mauritius, mentioning that during challenging times, such as the COVID-19 crisis, India was the first to provide assistance, including one lakh vaccines. “When Mauritius thrives, India celebrates. For us, Mauritius is family,” he stated.
In a significant announcement, PM Modi revealed that eligibility for the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card will now extend to the seventh generation of the Indian diaspora in Mauritius. He shared a memorable moment of presenting the OCI card to the President and his spouse, and expressed his pleasure in also extending the same honor to Prime Minister Ramgoolam and his wife.
Members of the Mauritian Parliament, Mahend Gungapersad and Ajay Gunness, expressed their appreciation for PM Modi’s decision to grant the OCI card to the Mauritian Prime Minister. They praised this gesture as a strong symbol of the countries’ friendship. Gungapersad remarked on the pride Mauritius takes in its relationship with India, while Gunness appreciated the extension of the OCI card eligibility, emphasizing the familial bond shared by the two nations.
Furthermore, PM Ramgoolam acknowledged PM Modi’s contributions to Mauritius’ development, highlighting India’s support in various sectors, including construction, tourism, and healthcare. He described PM Modi’s visit as a meaningful gesture and expressed how deeply touched he felt.
Ramgoolam also called on Indian investors to explore opportunities in Mauritius, introducing the country’s investment initiative, “Bridge to the Future,” designed to attract investments and streamline business operations.
The visit has significant implications for future cooperation between India and Mauritius, with expectations to sign agreements on maritime security, financial crime prevention, and training for Mauritian civil servants in the coming days.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that the visit allows early engagement between both leaders, marking a new term for both PM Ramgoolam and PM Modi and serving as an opportunity to assess and enhance bilateral ties.
Potential agreements include a technical agreement on maritime information sharing between the Indian Navy and Mauritian authorities aimed at improving maritime security and fostering regional cooperation, as well as a memorandum ensuring cooperation between India’s enforcement agencies and Mauritius’ financial crime bodies.
Overall, this visit not only strengthens the friendly ties between India and Mauritius but also lays the groundwork for a fruitful partnership in various sectors moving forward.
