Mauritius announces highest national award for PM Modi

NEW DELHI: Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam announced on Tuesday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be conferred with the country’s highest civilian award, The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (GCSK).
With this honour, PM Modi becomes the first Indian to receive Mauritius' highest award. It also adds to his growing list of international accolades, making it the 21st such recognition bestowed upon him by a foreign nation.

During the announcement, Mauritius PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam said, “‘The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean’ is very fitting for you, Prime Minister.” He added that since Mauritius became a Republic, only five foreign dignitaries have received the award, including Nelson Mandela, who was honoured in 1998.

The announcement was made during an Indian community event, where the national anthems of India and Mauritius were played in the presence of PM Modi and PM Ramgoolam.
Expressing gratitude, PM Modi said, "I humbly accept this decision with great respect. It is an honour for the historic bond between India and Mauritius." He thanked the people and government of Mauritius for the prestigious recognition.
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Prime Minister Modi, who is in Mauritius for a two-day visit, attended the country’s National Day celebrations as the chief guest, underscoring the strong diplomatic and cultural ties between the two nations.
During his visit, PM Modi presented Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool and the First Lady with OCI Cards. He also gifted them holy Sangam water from Mahakumbh in a brass and copper pot, superfood Makhana, and a Banarasi saree in a Sadeli box.
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PM Modi also visited the Ayurveda garden at the State House in Mauritius, developed in collaboration with the Government of India. Accompanied by President Gokhool, he explored the garden, symbolising India's commitment to holistic health and traditional medicine.
A special lunch was hosted in his honour by the Mauritian President, where PM Modi expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality and reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening the historic and strategic partnership between the two nations.