Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday described Mauritius as a vital bridge between India and the global South, calling it a 'mini India' as people of both countries share a familiar bond.
"Mauritius is also a bridge connecting India to the wider Global South. A decade ago, in 2015, on my first as the PM, I announced India's SAGAR vision. SAGAR means Security and Growth for All in the Region. Today, Mauritius is still at the heart of this vision," Modi said.
PM Modi also said that when Mauritius prospers, India is the first one to celebrate.
Addressing the Indian diaspora, PM Modi, who is on a 2-day visit to Mauritius, shared how the neighbouring country is not just a partner, but an integral part of India's extended family.
"Mauritius is like a garden of various cultures. A 'mini India' resides in Mauritius. I understand your emotional connection with Bihar and Bhojpur. We will bring Bihar's pride back. Lord Buddha's teachings are inspiring the world for global peace. Soon, Bihar's 'Makhana' will be a part of the snack menu all over the world," PM Modi added.
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{{/usCountry}}The event, attended by Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, his wife, and other cabinet ministers, also witnessed Modi reaffirming the historical, cultural, and emotional ties that unite the two countries.
During his visit, PM Modi also paid a visit to the Ayurveda garden at the State House in Mauritius on Tuesday which has been developed in collaboration with India.
He visited the garden along with the President of Mauritius, Dharambeer Gokhool.
Modi's special gesture for Mauritius PM
In a special gesture, Prime Minister Modi presented the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards to Mauritius PM Ramgoolam and his wife, Veena.
He also announced that the OCI card will now be extended to the seventh generation of the Indian diaspora in Mauritius, solidifying the long-standing ties between the two nations.
PM Modi to get Mauritius' highest civilian honour
Earlier in the day, Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam announced that PM Modi will be conferred with the nation’s highest honour, The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean.
Modi is the first Indian to receive this prestigious award, which recognises his contributions to strengthening ties between India and Mauritius.
This marks the 21st international award conferred upon PM Modi by a foreign nation.
Sangam water, Makhana: PM Modi's gift to Mauritius' President
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also met Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool on Tuesday and gifted him holy Sangam water from the recently concluded Prayagraj Maha Kumbh, packaged in an exquisite brass and copper pot.
The president also received Makhana from PM Modi, a nutritious superfood from Bihar. This gift came at a significant time, as the Government of India recently announced in the 2025 Budget the establishment of a dedicated Makhana Board in Bihar.