Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to Mauritius as a “mini India” on Tuesday, describing it as an essential link between India and the global South because of the shared ties between its citizens.
Additionally, Mauritius serves as a link between India and the larger Global South. I unveiled India’s SAGAR vision ten years ago, in 2015, my first year as prime minister. Security and Growth for All in the Region is what SAGAR stands for. Mauritius remains central to this idea today,” Modi stated.
Additionally, PM Modi stated that India is the first to rejoice when Mauritius prospers.
During his two-day visit to Mauritius, Prime Minister Modi spoke to the Indian diaspora, explaining that the neighbouring nation is not just a partner but also an essential member of India’s extended family.
The island of Mauritius is a cultural garden. Mauritius is a’mini India’. I can appreciate your sentimental attachment to Bhojpur and Bihar. We will restore the glory of Bihar. The world is being inspired to achieve world peace by the teachings of Lord Buddha. “The snack dish ‘Makhana’ from Bihar will soon be available worldwide,” PM Modi continued.
Modi also reaffirmed the historical, cultural, and emotional bonds that bind the two nations at the ceremony, which was attended by Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, his wife, and other cabinet ministers.
PM Modi also visited the State House in Mauritius on Tuesday, where he saw the Ayurvedic garden that was created in partnership with India.
He went to the garden with Dharambeer Gokhool, the president of Mauritius.
Modi’s unique gesture for the PM of Mauritius
In a unique gesture, Prime Minister Modi gave Mauritius PM Ramgoolam and his wife Veena their Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards.
He also declared that the long-standing relations between Mauritius and India would be strengthened by extending the OCI card to the seventh generation of the Indian diaspora living there.
PM Modi will get the highest civilian accolade in Mauritius.
Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam declared earlier in the day that Prime Minister Modi would receive the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean, the highest accolade in the country.
In recognition of his efforts to improve relations between Mauritius and India, Modi is the first Indian to be granted this esteemed honour.
This is the 21st time a foreign country has given PM Modi an international honour.
Along with meeting Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave him a beautiful brass and copper jar filled with holy Sangam water from the just finished Prayagraj Maha Kumbh.
PM Modi also gave the president Makhana, a wholesome superfood from Bihar. This donation was made at a pivotal moment, as the Indian government recently declared in the 2025 Budget that a specialised Makhana Board will be established in Bihar.