PM Modi hands over OCI cards to Mauritius President
In a special gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday handed over OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cards to Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool and First Lady Vrinda Gokhool on the first day of his visit to the island nation.
Prime Minister Modi met with President Gokhool at the State House, where the two leaders discussed strengthening the special and close bilateral ties between India and Mauritius.
“They recalled the shared history between the two countries and the strong people-to-people linkages. Prime Minister noted that it was an honour for him to attend the National Day celebrations of Mauritius as Chief Guest for the second time,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) stated.
PM Modi also visited the Ayurveda Garden in the State House, established in collaboration with the Government of India. He highlighted Mauritius as an important partner for India in advancing the benefits of traditional medicine, including Ayurveda.
Following the discussions, President Gokhool hosted a State lunch in honor of PM Modi.
In a heartfelt gesture, PM Modi gifted the Mauritius President holy Ganga water from the Maha Kumbh, which concluded on February 26 and witnessed over 660 million pilgrims at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj — the largest human gathering in the world.
President Gokhool was unanimously elected as the new President of Mauritius in December, succeeding Prithvirajsing Roopun, whose term ended on December 2, 2024. A former Minister of Education, Gokhool is a distinguished statesman with a career spanning academia, public service, and politics.
After arriving on a two-day State visit at the invitation of Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, PM Modi paid homage to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, the first Prime Minister and founding father of Mauritius, at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden in Port Louis. He also paid tribute to former President and Prime Minister Sir Anerood Jugnauth.
“Paid homage to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam and Sir Anerood Jugnauth, two great leaders who have made indelible contributions to Mauritius’ progress,” PM Modi posted on X.
PM Modi laid a wreath at the memorial and planted a tree alongside Mauritius Prime Minister Ramgoolam.
“Humbled by the heartfelt gesture of my friend, Prime Minister Dr. Navin Ramgoolam, in taking part in ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ — a tribute to nature, motherhood, and sustainability. His support stands tall as a symbol of our shared commitment to a greener and better future,” PM Modi added.
Before his bilateral meeting with PM Ramgoolam in the evening, PM Modi is scheduled to interact with the Indian diaspora in Mauritius. Prime Minister Ramgoolam will also host a State banquet in PM Modi’s honor on Tuesday evening.
On the second day of his visit, PM Modi will participate in the 57th National Day celebrations of Mauritius on Wednesday as the Chief Guest.
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). This vision, along with the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, ‘Act East’ policy, ‘Think West’ policy, and ‘Connect Central Asia’ policy, continues to shape India’s approach to regional and global ties.
PM Modi described his visit to Mauritius as a “wonderful opportunity” to engage with a valued ally and strengthen bilateral ties.
“Landed in Mauritius. I am grateful to my friend, PM Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, for the special gesture of welcoming me at the airport. This visit is a wonderful opportunity to engage with a valued friend and explore new avenues for collaboration in various sectors,” PM Modi posted on X after landing.
A gathering of 200 dignitaries, including MPs, MLAs, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and religious leaders, welcomed the Prime Minister.
Adding to the spirited reception, members of the Indian diaspora gathered outside the Oberoi Hotel in Port Louis, greeting PM Modi with ‘Dhols’ and garlands.
