With his hands folded, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the Indian community in Mauritius. “I went to Mauritius on the same day ten years ago,” he remembered. A week had passed since Holi. This time, I shall travel to India with the colors of Holi. During his speech, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the evolution of India-Mauritius relations, referring to the two nations as “one family.”

“I feel like I am among my own people whenever I go to Mauritius. “The air, soil, and water here have a sense of belonging,” PM Modi remarked.

The greatest honor for PM Modi

PM Modi received the highest honor of Mauritius, “The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean,” according to Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. In his speech, PM Modi thanked the Mauritius government and people and expressed his sincere acceptance of the honor.

“I have been bestowed with the highest civilian honor by the people and government of Mauritius. I respectfully and sincerely accept this decision. This is an honor for the longstanding relationship between Mauritius and India, not just for me,” he stated.
“When the Pran Prathistha event took place in Ayodhya and jubilation erupted in India, we observed similar festivities in Mauritius,” Prime Minister Modi stated in reference to the relationship between India and Mauritius.

PM Modi revealed that he gave President Dharambeer Gokhool Gangajal, or holy water, which he had obtained from Maha Kumbh. “Tomorrow, this sacred water will be presented to the Ganga pond here. Ganga Jal was transported from Gaumukh to Mauritius fifty years ago, where it was presented to the Ganga pond.

“If we look in terms of language and food, there is a mini-India existing in Mauritius,” Prime Minister Modi said, referring to the island nation as a bouquet of diverse cultures. This is a miniature version of India.

According to PM Modi, Mauritius has appeared in a number of Indian motion pictures. “Shooting in Mauritius boosts the chances of an Indian film being a smash,” he continued.

“Mauritius is more than simply a partner nation. Mauritius is family to us. This connection, which has its roots in history, tradition, and the human spirit, is profound and powerful. 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 is central to this ambition today,” PM Modi stated.

“India is always on Mauritius’ side.”

Prime Minister Modi declared, “India is a proud partner in Mauritius’ capacity building. Whether it is investment or infrastructure, commerce or crisis response, India always stands with Mauritius.”

“In times of crisis, India has always stood with Mauritius,” he continued, citing instances in which India had aided its friend. “India was the first nation to provide one lakh vaccines and necessary medications during COVID-19. India is the first to respond to a crisis in Mauritius. India is the first to rejoice when Mauritius prospers. Mauritius is family to us.

Bihar Receives Particular Attention

While speaking to the Indian community in Mauritius, Prime Minister Narendra Modi alternated between speaking in Hindi and Bhojpuri. “Bihar’s Makhana will soon be a part of the global snack menu,” Prime Minister Modi stated in reference to the superfood Makhana, also known as foxnuts.

According to PM Modi, he enjoys makhana.

OCI Cards for Wife Veena and Mauritian PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam

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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam today, the opening day of his two-day visit to Mauritius. As part of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, PM Modi first went to the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, where the two prime ministers jointly planted a tree.

PM Modi honored Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, Mauritius’s first prime minister and founding father, as well as Sir Anerood Jugnauth, the country’s former president and prime minister.

PM Modi met with President Dharambeer Gokhool of the Republic of Mauritius at the State House later that day. PM Modi sent President Gokhool Gangajal (holy water) from Maha Kumbh and the superfood Makhana (foxnuts), while Brinda Gokhool, the first lady of Mauritius, received a Banarasi saree in a Sadeli box.

Invoking Mauritius’ historical connections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi implied that the country was more than just a partner—it was family. PM Modi recalled the strong ties between the two countries, which were established during the dark days of British rule, while in Mauritius on a two-day visit as the Chief Guest of the nation’s National Day, which was selected to honor the start of Mahatma Gandhi’s Dandi March.

“Mauritius is more than simply a partner nation. At an event organized by Indian expatriates, Prime Minister Modi declared, “Mauritius is family to us.”

“This connection is profound and solid, originating from human nature, history, and legacy… India is the first to react when a problem arises in Mauritius. India is the first to rejoice when Mauritius prospers,” he continued.
The India-Mauritius relationship is strong, as many Mauritius residents are descended from indentured Indian laborers who were transferred there during the colonial era.

It was among the first nations with which India established diplomatic relations following its independence. In his speech today, which was heavily infused with Hindi and Bhojpuri, PM Modi reaffirmed it.

He recited couplets in Maithili, reminded them of Holi, the upcoming festival of colors, and disclosed that he had brought water from the Maha Kumbh for those who were unable to attend.

He talked about the progress made by Bihar, a state that many Mauritius people can trace their ancestry to.

He continued in Bhojpuri, saying, “I am aware of your strong emotional bond with Bihar. As a Purvanchal MP, I am aware of Mother Bihar’s capabilities. In the past, Bihar was the epicenter of global prosperity. We will now work together to restore its splendor.

He described the government’s initiatives in this regard, including the export of Makhana, or foxnuts, which he claimed “would soon become a part of snack menus globally” and the resuscitation of Nalanda University.

However, he asserted that the relationship between Mauritius and India looks both ahead and backward.