PM Modi Receives Grand Welcome In Mauritius As Thousands Throng Streets

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted by massive crowds in Mauritius as people lined the streets for kilometers to catch a glimpse of him on his way to Ganga Talao, a revered site in the country.

Videos captured the enthusiasm of thousands who gathered along the roads, eager to see PM Modi.

The excitement reflected the strong historical and cultural ties between India and Mauritius.

Marking his second time as the Chief Guest for Mauritius’ National Day, an honor he first received in 2015, PM Modi engaged in high-level meetings with Mauritian leaders and addressed the Indian community.

During his visit to Ganga Talao, PM Modi performed a symbolic ritual by mixing sacred water from the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh into the lake, underscoring the spiritual bond shared by the two nations.

Taking to X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted, “At the Ganga Talao in Mauritius, I had the honour of immersing water from the Triveni Sangam into the Talao. For millions of Hindus around the world, the Triveni Sangam is of special significance. This year’s Mahakumbh drew pilgrims from all over the world, including Mauritius. May the blessings of Maa Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati always remain upon us!”

PM Modi Honored With Mauritius’ Highest Award

A key highlight of his visit was receiving Mauritius’ highest civilian honor, the ‘Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean’.

Despite heavy rain, thousands gathered to witness the moment as PM Modi accepted the award.

While receiving the award, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, “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 said 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 and Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam jointly inaugurated the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation, which PM Modi described as a hub for research and learning.

PM Modi’s visit also saw the signing of multiple agreements, including collaborations on India’s Char Dham and Ramayana trails, an MoU on labor recruitment, curriculum development for schools, and the establishment of a Directorate of Science and Technology in Mauritius.

Additionally, PM Modi extended an invitation to his counterpart to visit India.

Bilateral Talks & Diplomatic Engagements

PM Ramgoolam expressed his gratitude for PM Modi’s participation in Mauritius’ National Day, which marked the country’s 57th Independence Day and the 33rd anniversary of its Republic.

During their bilateral meeting, the two leaders discussed strengthening diplomatic ties and exploring new avenues for cooperation.

“Had an excellent meeting with Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam this evening. Thanked him for inviting me to be a part of the National Day celebrations of Mauritius and also his special gestures through my visit. I expressed gratitude to PM Ramgoolam for Mauritius’ decision to confer upon me the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X.

Later, PM Modi attended a banquet hosted by PM Ramgoolam, where he emphasized the enduring friendship between the two nations and their commitment to regional stability and progress.

At a special event for the Indian community in Mauritius, PM Modi announced the extension of the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card eligibility to the seventh generation of the Indian diaspora.

While addressing the community, PM Modi noted, “In Mauritius, a decision has been made to extend the OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card eligibility to the seventh generation of the Indian diaspora. I had the privilege of presenting the OCI card to the President of Mauritius and his spouse. Likewise, I am happy to extend the same honor to the Prime Minister of Mauritius and his spouse.”

Also Read: PM Modi Concludes Mauritius Visit; Departs After High-Level Engagements