Trianon, Mauritius – March 12, 2025 – Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, alongside Mauritius Prime Minister H.E. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, addressed a gathering of the Indian community and friends of India at the Trianon Convention Centre. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from the Indian diaspora, including students, professionals, socio-cultural organizations, and business leaders, as well as several dignitaries from Mauritius.
Welcoming Prime Minister Modi, Prime Minister Ramgoolam announced that Mauritius would confer its highest civilian award, the ‘Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (G.C.S.K.),’ on Prime Minister Modi during the National Day celebrations. Expressing gratitude for this exceptional honour, Prime Minister Modi acknowledged the strong friendship between the two nations.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
In his address, Prime Minister Modi thanked Prime Minister Ramgoolam for his warm hospitality and for his efforts in strengthening the historical and cultural ties between India and Mauritius. In a symbolic gesture, he personally handed over Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards to PM Ramgoolam and his spouse, Mrs. Veena Ramgoolam.
Conveying his greetings to the people of Mauritius on their National Day, Prime Minister Modi reflected on the shared historical journey of the two nations. He paid tribute to key figures in Mauritius’s independence movement, including Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, Sir Anerood Jugnauth, and Manilal Doctor. He expressed his deep honor in attending the National Day celebrations as Chief Guest.
Deepening Cultural and People-to-People Ties
Prime Minister Modi emphasized the significance of the deep-rooted familial connections between India and Mauritius. He lauded the Indian-origin community in Mauritius for preserving and nurturing their cultural heritage. In a landmark announcement, he revealed that a special provision has been made to extend OCI eligibility to the seventh generation of people of Indian origin in Mauritius, further strengthening the Girmitiya legacy.
Development Partnership and Climate Cooperation
Highlighting India’s role as a key development partner of Mauritius, Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s commitment to supporting various initiatives for the progress of the island nation. He emphasized the importance of Mauritius in India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) Vision and its engagement with the Global South.
Addressing global challenges, including climate change, Prime Minister Modi commended Mauritius’s active participation in the International Solar Alliance and the Global Biofuels Alliance. In alignment with sustainability efforts, he planted a sapling under the ‘Ek Pedh Maa Ke Naam’ (Plant4Mother) initiative at the historic Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden earlier in the day.
Celebratory Cultural Performances
The event concluded with a vibrant cultural program featuring performances by artists from the Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture (IGCIC), Mahatma Gandhi Institute (MGI), and Anna Medical College, showcasing the strong cultural ties between the two nations.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Mauritius has further cemented the robust relationship between the two nations, reinforcing their commitment to shared progress, heritage, and global cooperation.
