Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Mauritius’ highest civilian honor, The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (GCSK), on Wednesday. The prestigious ceremony, held in the capital city of Port Louis, reaffirmed the deep-rooted diplomatic and cultural ties between India and Mauritius. With this honor, PM Modi has now received his 21st international accolade, marking another milestone in his global recognition.
A Tribute to Ancestral Bonds
Receiving the award with humility, Prime Minister Modi dedicated it to the Indian ancestors who migrated to Mauritius centuries ago and to the generations that followed. Acknowledging the shared heritage of both nations, he emphasized that the recognition belonged not just to him but to all Indians.
“This honor is a tribute to the deep-rooted and historical bonds between our two nations. I dedicate it to the 1.4 billion Indians and their 1.3 million brothers and sisters in Mauritius,” he shared on X.
Strengthening a Legacy of Cultural and Diplomatic Relations
During the National Day celebrations, PM Modi expressed gratitude for the prestigious recognition, describing it as a testament to the enduring strength of India-Mauritius relations.
“This is not just my honor; it is an honor for 1.4 billion Indians. It is a recognition of the centuries-old cultural and historical bonds between India and Mauritius. I reaffirm my commitment to strengthening the India-Mauritius strategic partnership and taking it to new heights,” he stated.
Mauritius PM Announced the Honor in a Community Gathering
The announcement to confer the award on PM Modi was made a day earlier by Navinchandra Ramgoolam, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius, during a community event. Praising PM Modi’s leadership, Ramgoolam emphasized that the Indian Prime Minister truly deserved the recognition.
During the same event, PM Modi also presented the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card to President Dharambeer Gokhool and First Lady Meena Gokhool. The OCI card, a significant gesture of diplomatic goodwill, grants foreign nationals of Indian origin visa-free travel to India.
India’s Expanding Global Presence in National Day Celebrations
PM Modi’s participation in international National Day celebrations reflects India’s growing global stature and strategic partnerships.
In 2023, he was the Guest of Honor at France’s Bastille Day Parade, a defining moment that symbolized India’s deepening military and strategic ties with France. The sight of Indian tri-services marching down the Champs-Élysées alongside French troops reinforced India’s growing role in global geopolitics.
In 2022, PM Modi visited Lumbini, Nepal, for Buddha Jayanti celebrations, reaffirming India’s deep historical connection to Buddhism and shared heritage with Nepal. The visit underscored India’s efforts to promote cultural and spiritual diplomacy across the region.
In 2021, Bangladesh invited PM Modi to its National Day celebrations, marking 50 years of its independence—an event closely tied to India’s role in its liberation. The visit reinforced India’s commitment to regional stability and economic cooperation.
Similarly, in 2017, PM Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka for International Vesak Day highlighted India’s role in cultural diplomacy, strengthening ties with Buddhist-majority nations.