PM Modi conferred with Mauritius' highest national award, dedicates it to Indian ancestors in the island nation

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Mauritius' highest national award on Wednesday during his visit to the island nation. While accepting the honour at the National Day celebrations in Port Louis, Modi dedicated the award to the Indian ancestors who migrated to Mauritius centuries ago.
"Sisters and brothers of Mauritius, I express my heartfelt gratitude for being conferred with the highest national award of Mauritius. This is not just my honour but the honour of 1.4 billion Indians," PM Modi said.

He further added, "I accept this award with humility and gratitude. I dedicate it to your ancestors who came from India centuries ago and all their generations. Through their hard work, they wrote a golden chapter in the development of Mauritius and contributed to creating its vibrant diversity. I also embrace this honour as a responsibility and I reaffirm our commitment that we will continue to make every effort to take the India-Mauritius strategic partnership to greater heights."

PM Modi's meetings with Mauritius leaders

During his visit, PM Modi met with former Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth. "Had a good meeting with former Prime Minister of Mauritius, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth," he posted on X along with photos of their discussion.

He also met Lesjongard, an MP and the Leader of the Opposition in Mauritius and said, "We had a constructive exchange of views on aspects relating to boosting India-Mauritius friendship."
Earlier in the day, PM Modi extended National Day wishes to the people of Mauritius. "National Day wishes to the people of Mauritius. Looking forward to today's programmes, including taking part in the celebrations," he posted on X.

Mauritius honours PM Modi with 'The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean'

Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam announced on Tuesday that PM Modi would receive the nation's highest honour. At a community event, PM Modi termed Mauritius as a bridge between India and the Global South, emphasising the deep-rooted cultural and historical bonds.
"Mauritius is like 'Mini India'," he told the Indian diaspora at the event, which was also attended by Ramgoolam, his wife, and cabinet ministers. "This bond is deep and strongly rooted in history, heritage, and the human spirit."

Indian Navy contingent takes part in National Day parade of Mauritius

The Indian Navy contingent participated in Mauritius' National Day parade, with PM Modi saluting the marching unit as it passed by carrying a placard with "India" written on it and holding the tricolour. An Indian Navy helicopter was also seen flying past the parade as thousands watched.
The contingent was part of the crew of INS Imphal, which arrived in Mauritius for the celebrations. The ship participated in various cultural and training exchanges, including a joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance exercise with Mauritian Coast Guard ships.
Captain Kamal Kumar Choudhury said, "It is a matter of immense pride and honour for me and my crew to represent India at the 57th National Day celebration of the Republic of Mauritius. This is in keeping with a long-standing tradition of Indian warships and aircraft participating in these celebrations over the years."

India's deep ties with Mauritius: PM Modi’s as Chief guest for second time

This marks the second time PM Modi has been the Chief Guest at Mauritius' National Day, having first attended in 2015. This rare honour underscores India's special relationship with Mauritius, rooted in shared history, culture, and diaspora ties.
In recent years, PM Modi has been invited to significant global events, including France’s Bastille Day Parade in 2023, Nepal's Buddha Jayanti celebrations in 2022, Bangladesh's National Day in 2021, and Sri Lanka’s International Vesak Day in 2017. Each of these visits highlighted India's growing role in global diplomacy and cultural leadership.

PM Modi, Mauritius PM inaugurate Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation

PM Modi and Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam jointly inaugurated the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation on Wednesday. Modi stated that the institute would serve as a hub for learning and research.
In a post on X, he wrote, "PM Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam and I jointly inaugurated the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation. It will serve as a hub for learning, research and public service, fostering new ideas and leadership for the future. It also strengthens our shared commitment to progress and development."

Mauritians brave rain to witness PM Modi receiving the award

Despite heavy rainfall, thousands of Mauritians gathered at the venue to witness PM Modi accept the prestigious award on National Day.

"I express my heartfelt gratitude for being conferred the highest national award of Mauritius. This is not just my honour, it is the honour of 1.4 billion Indians. It is a tribute to the centuries-old cultural and historical bonds of kinship between India and Mauritius. It is an acknowledgement of our shared commitment to regional peace, progress, security and sustainable development. And it is a symbol of the shared hopes and aspirations of the Global South," PM Modi said.

Dedicating the award to the Indian diaspora in Mauritius, he added, "I accept this award with humility and gratitude. I dedicate it to your ancestors who came from India to Mauritius centuries ago and to all their generations. Through their hard work, they wrote a golden chapter in the development of Mauritius and contributed to its vibrant diversity."
PM Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to enhancing strategic ties with Mauritius, saying, "I also embrace this honour as a responsibility and reaffirm our commitment that we will continue to make every effort to enhance the India-Mauritius Strategic Partnership to greater heights."