India-Mauritius friendship rooted in faith: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday highlighted the deep-rooted cultural connection between India and Mauritius, describing it as the foundation of their strong friendship.

“Our forefathers were brought here from various regions of India. When we consider the diversity in language, dialects, and eating habits, this place truly represents a mini-Hindustan — a miniature India!” said PM Modi while addressing a community event in Port Louis during his two-day state visit at the invitation of Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam.

This is PM Modi’s first visit to Mauritius since 2015 when he outlined India’s Vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), which, along with the ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘Act East’ policies, continues to guide India’s regional strategy.

“Ten years ago, on this very date, I was in Mauritius. Whenever I come here, I feel like I’m among my own people. Mauritius remains at the heart of India’s SAGAR vision,” PM Modi said, adding that India is always the first to respond when Mauritius faces challenges and the first to celebrate its successes.

Mauritius Prime Minister Ramgoolam announced that PM Modi will be conferred with the country’s highest honour, ‘The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean’. Only five other foreign dignitaries, including Nelson Mandela, have received this honour.

“This is not just an honour for me; it is an honour for the historic bond between India and Mauritius,” PM Modi said.

In a special gesture, PM Modi handed over OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cards to Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool and First Lady Vrinda Gokhool. He also announced that OCI status would now be extended to the seventh generation of the Indian diaspora in Mauritius.

“When the Pran Pratishtha ceremony was held in Ayodhya, the same excitement and celebration were felt in Mauritius. This relationship of faith between India and Mauritius is a major basis of our friendship,” he added.

PM Modi also recalled his visit to Mauritius in 1998 for the International Ramayana Conference, highlighting his long-standing connection with the country.