Prime Minister Narendra Modi met former Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth on Wednesday to discuss ways to further enhance cooperation between India and Mauritius across various sectors.
The two leaders share a positive relationship, with Jugnauth having attended the swearing-in ceremony of the Modi government’s third term in June 2024. Later in the day, PM Modi is also scheduled to meet the Leader of the Opposition in Mauritius, Georges Lesjongard.
PM Modi is currently on a two-day visit to Mauritius from March 11 to 12. As part of his official engagements, he will attend the National Day celebrations of the East African nation. Earlier in the day, he extended his best wishes to the people of Mauritius through a post on X, stating, “National Day wishes to the people of Mauritius. Looking forward to today’s programmes, including taking part in the celebrations.”
On Tuesday, PM Modi held “productive talks” with his Mauritian counterpart, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, in Port Louis. Their discussions focused on reviewing bilateral relations, assessing ongoing collaborations, and exploring new avenues to strengthen the deep ties between the two nations.
In a symbolic and unique gesture reflecting the warmth of their partnership, both leaders traveled together in the same car to a banquet hosted by PM Ramgoolam in honor of the visiting Indian leader. This further underscored the strong and enduring relationship between India and Mauritius, which has significantly deepened over the past decade under PM Modi’s leadership.
During the visit, the government of Mauritius announced its decision to confer its highest honor, ‘The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean,’ upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The announcement was made by PM Ramgoolam just before Modi addressed the Indian community in Mauritius on Tuesday evening. PM Modi is the first Indian to receive this prestigious award, which also marks the 21st international honor bestowed upon him by a foreign country.
PM Ramgoolam had also personally welcomed PM Modi at the airport early Tuesday morning, further highlighting the warmth and significance of their diplomatic ties.
During their discussions, PM Modi reiterated India’s commitment to being a trusted development partner for Mauritius. He emphasized that both nations would continue working together to advance the interests of the Global South.
On Tuesday evening, PM Modi addressed a community programme in Port Louis, celebrating the cultural and emotional bonds between India and Mauritius.
“Mauritius is not just a partner country. For us, Mauritius is family,” PM Modi declared while speaking at the Trianon Convention Centre. He also acknowledged the presence of PM Ramgoolam and his wife, Veena Ramgoolam, stating that their participation made the event even more special.
Additionally, PM Modi handed over Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards to the Ramgoolams, reinforcing the importance of India-Mauritius friendship and the deep-rooted historical connections between the two nations.
–IANS