Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the Indian community in Mauritius with folded hands. He recalled, “I visited Mauritius 10 years ago, on the same day. It was a week after Holi… This time, I will take the colours of Holi with me to India.” In his address, PM Modi emphasised India-Mauritius relations and how they have developed over the years, calling the two countries “one family.”
“Whenever I visit Mauritius, it feels like I am among my own. There is a feeling of belonging in the air, soil and water here,” PM Modi said.
Highest Award For PM Modi
Mauritius PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam announced its highest award ‘The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean’ for PM Modi. During his address, PM Modi wholeheartedly accepted the honour and thanked the people and government of Mauritius.
“The people and the government of Mauritius have decided to confer upon me their highest civilian honour. I humbly accept this decision with great respect. This is not just an honour for me, it is an honour for the historic bond between India and Mauritius,” he said.
“Mauritius Is Family”
Talking about the India-Mauritius relationship, PM Modi said, “When the Pran Prathistha ceremony took place in Ayodhya and celebrations erupted in India, we saw similar celebrations in Mauritius.”
PM Modi shared that he got Gangajal (holy water) from Maha Kumbh and presented it to President Dharambeer Gokhool. “This holy water will be offered to the Ganga pond here tomorrow. 50 years ago, Ganga Jal was brought to Mauritius from Gaumukh and was offered to the Ganga pond.”
Calling Mauritius a bouquet of different cultures, PM Modi said, “If we look in terms of language and food, there is a mini-India residing in Mauritius. This is mini-India.”
PM Modi said that parts of Mauritius have featured in various Indian movies. “Chances of an Indian film becoming a hit increases if it is shot in Mauritius,” he added.
“Mauritius is not just a partner country. For us, Mauritius is family. This bond is deep and strong, rooted in history, heritage and the human spirit. Mauritius is also a bridge connecting India to the wider global South. A decade ago, in 2015, on my first as the PM, I announced India’s SAGAR vision. SAGAR means Security and Growth for All in the Region. Today, Mauritius is still at the heart of this vision,” said PM Modi.
“India Always Stands With Mauritius”
“Whether it is investment or infrastructure, commerce or crisis response, India always stands with Mauritius…India is a proud partner in capacity building in Mauritius,” said PM Modi.
“In times of crisis, India has always stood with Mauritius,” he added and shared examples of the times India extended a helping hand to its friend. “During COVID-19, India was the first country to deliver one lakh vaccines and essential medicines. When Mauritius faces a crisis, India is the first respondent. When Mauritius prospers, India is the first to celebrate. For us, Mauritius is family.”
Bihar Finds A Special Mention
Prime Minister Narendra Modi switched between Hindi and Bhojpuri as he addressed the Indian community in Mauritius. PM Modi spoke about the superfood Makhana (foxnuts) and said, “Bihar’s Makhana will soon be a part of the global snack menu.”
PM Modi said he likes makhana.
OCI Cards For Mauritian PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Wife Veena
In a special gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the issuance of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards to his Mauritian counterpart Navinchandra Ramgoolam and his wife Veena Ramgoolam. The announcement was made at a community event attended by more than 3,500 people, including members of the Mauritius Cabinet, government officials, and National Assembly members.
PM Modi handed over the OCI cards to Mr Ramgoolam and Veena at the beginning of the community event.
PM Modi On A Two-Day Visit To Mauritius
Today, on the first day of his two-day visit to Mauritius, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. PM Modi first visited the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden where the two Prime Ministers together planted a tree under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.
PM Modi paid homage to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, the first Prime Minister and the founding father of Mauritius and the former President and former Prime Minister of Mauritius Sir Anerood Jugnauth.
Later in the day, PM Modi met Dharambeer Gokhool, President of the Republic of Mauritius, at the State House. PM Modi presented Gangajal (holy water) from Maha Kumbh and superfood Makhana (foxnuts) to the President Gokhool and a Banarasi saree in a Sadeli box to the first lady of Mauritius, Brinda Gokhool.