In a heartwarming ceremony held at the Trianon Convention Centre in Mauritius, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indian diaspora and friends of India, paying tribute to the rich cultural heritage shared between the two nations.
Today, March 11, 2025, marked an historic occasion as Prime Minister Modi, accompanied by his Mauritian counterpart H.E. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, paid a special visit to the Indian community in Mauritius. The event was attended by students, professionals, socio-cultural organizations, and business leaders from the Indian diaspora, as well as several high-ranking officials from Mauritius.
During the address, Prime Minister Modi welcomed his Mauritian counterpart and expressed gratitude for the highest civilian award conferred upon him by Mauritius – the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (G.C.S.K). He also extended an invitation to Prime Minister Ramgoolam to visit India, where he was warmly received.
In a gesture of goodwill, Prime Minister Modi presented OCI cards to Prime Minister Ramgoolam and his spouse, Mrs Veena Ramgoolam. This symbolic gesture reflects the strong people-to-people ties between India and Mauritius, with the Indian origin community in Mauritius preserving their cultural roots and traditions.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the shared historical journey of both nations, honoring the memories of those who fought for Mauritius's independence, including Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam and Sir Anerood Jugnauth. He also spoke about the significance of the Indian origin community in Mauritius, which has nurtured its cultural heritage over generations.
To strengthen the bonds between India and Mauritius, Prime Minister Modi announced that a special carve-out has been made to allow OCI cards to be issued to the seventh generation of people of Indian origin in Mauritius. This move aims to nurture the Girmitiya legacy, a testament to the enduring ties between the two nations.
Prime Minister Modi also emphasized India's commitment to supporting various initiatives aimed at promoting development and cooperation between the two countries. He spoke about India's SAGAR Vision and its engagement with the Global South, highlighting Mauritius as a key partner in these endeavors.
In the context of climate change, Prime Minister Modi appreciated Mauritius's partnership in international initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the Global Biofuels Alliance. He also shared his own experience with the Ek Pedh Maa Ke Naam (Plant4Mother) initiative, which involves planting trees to promote environmental sustainability.
The event featured a lively cultural programme, showcasing performances by artistes from renowned institutions like Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture (IGCIC), Mahatma Gandhi Institute (MGI), and Anna Medical College. This rich tapestry of cultural expressions reflects the vibrant diversity of India's diaspora community around the world.
As Prime Minister Modi concluded his address, he conveyed greetings to the people of Mauritius on their National Day, expressing his pride in the special ties between India and Mauritius. The visit serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of friendship and cooperation that defines this unique bond between two nations.