PM Modi meets Pravind Jugnauth to strengthen bilateral ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met former Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth on Wednesday to discuss ways to strengthen India-Mauritius cooperation across various sectors.
Both leaders share a positive relationship. Pravind Jugnauth had also attended the swearing-in ceremony for the Modi government’s third term in June 2024.
PM Modi is on a two-day visit to Mauritius from March 11-12. He is also scheduled to meet the Leader of Opposition of Mauritius, Georges Lesjongard, later in the day.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi extended his best wishes to the people of Mauritius via social media platform X, stating, “National Day wishes to the people of Mauritius. Looking forward to today’s programmes, including taking part in the celebrations.”
On Tuesday, PM Modi held productive talks with his Mauritian counterpart, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, in Port Louis. Their discussions focused on reviewing bilateral relations, assessing ongoing collaborations, and exploring new opportunities to strengthen their bond.
In a symbolic gesture reflecting the deep ties between India and Mauritius, both leaders travelled together in the same car to a banquet hosted by PM Ramgoolam in honour of PM Modi. This highlighted the strength of their partnership, which has significantly deepened over the past decade under PM Modi’s leadership.
The Mauritius government announced its decision to bestow the country’s highest honour, ‘The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean,’ upon PM Modi during his state visit. PM Modi is the first Indian to receive this honour, which marks the 21st international award conferred upon him by a foreign nation.
PM Ramgoolam made the announcement just before PM Modi addressed the Indian community in Mauritius on Tuesday evening.
PM Modi was personally welcomed at the airport early Tuesday morning by PM Ramgoolam, further underscoring the warmth of their relationship.
During their meeting, PM Modi reiterated India’s commitment to being a trusted development partner for Mauritius. He emphasised that both countries would continue working together to advance the interests of the Global South.
On Tuesday evening, PM Modi addressed a community programme in Port Louis, where he celebrated the deep cultural and emotional ties between the people of India and Mauritius.
“Mauritius is not just a partner country. For us, Mauritius is family,” PM Modi said while addressing the gathering at the Trianon Convention Centre.
He also highlighted the presence of PM Ramgoolam and Mrs. Veena Ramgoolam at the event, saying it made the occasion even more special. PM Modi also handed over OCI cards to them, symbolising the deep-rooted friendship between India and Mauritius.
