On Tuesday, Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam announced that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be honoured with The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean, the highest national award of Mauritius.

This prestigious recognition marks an important diplomatic achievement, as PM Modi becomes the first Indian to receive this honour. It also adds to the list of international awards he has received, making this the 21st such accolade conferred upon him by a foreign nation.

While making the announcement, PM Ramgoolam called the award “very fitting” for PM Modi, acknowledging his contributions to strengthening India-Mauritius relations. He noted that since Mauritius became a Republic, only five foreign dignitaries have received this esteemed title, including Nelson Mandela, who was honoured in 1998.

The declaration was made at a special gathering attended by the Indian community in Mauritius. The event featured India and Mauritius national anthems, with PM Modi and PM Ramgoolam present.

During his visit, PM Modi participated as the Chief Guest at Mauritius’ National Day celebrations, further highlighting the strong cultural and diplomatic ties between the two countries. He also engaged in multiple events aimed at deepening bilateral relations.

During his visit to Mauritius, Prime Minister Narendra Modi toured the Ayurveda Garden at the State House, a project developed with India’s support. Accompanied by President Gokhool, he appreciated the garden’s contribution to promoting traditional Indian medicine and welcomed the growing interest in Ayurveda in Mauritius.

PM Modi also expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality of the Mauritian leadership. At a special lunch hosted by President Gokhool, he reaffirmed India’s commitment to intensifying its partnership with Mauritius.

PM Modi addressed the Indian diaspora in Mauritius, recalling his visit to the country a decade ago, which took place around the Holi festival.

With just three days left for Holi in India, he shared his excitement about bringing the festival’s spirit back home. “I came to Mauritius 10 years ago on this date. It was a week after Holi, and I brought the joy of ‘Phagwa’ with me. This time, I will take the colours of Holi with me to India,” he said.

PM Modi also spoke about the deep historical ties between India and Mauritius, describing their relationship as more than just a partnership. “Mauritius is not just a partner country. For us, Mauritius is family! This bond is deep and strong, rooted in history, heritage, and the human spirit. Mauritius is also a bridge connecting India to the wider Global South,” he continued.

PM Modi reaffirmed India’s strong commitment to Mauritius, highlighting the country's consistent support during difficult times. He stated, “In times of crisis, India has always stood with Mauritius. During COVID-19, India was the first country to deliver one lakh vaccines and essential medicines. When Mauritius faces a crisis, India is the first respondent. When Mauritius prospers, India is the first to celebrate. After all, for us, Mauritius is family.”

He also announced that OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card eligibility would now extend to the seventh generation of the Indian diaspora in Mauritius. Sharing a special moment, he said, “I had the privilege of presenting the OCI card to the President of Mauritius and his spouse. Likewise, I am delighted to extend the same honour to the Prime Minister of Mauritius and his spouse.”

Mauritius Members of Parliament Mahend Gungapersad and Ajay Gunness have praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to grant the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card to Mauritius’ Prime Minister, Navinchandra Ramgoolam. They described this move as a powerful symbol of the deep friendship between the two nations. Expressing his sentiments to ANI, Gungapersad said that Mauritius takes great pride in its relationship with India. He also agreed with PM Modi’s remark that Mauritius is a “friend and a member of the family.”

“It’s a matter of honour and privilege that Shri Narendra Modi ji has given the OCI Card to our Prime Minister, and this is a proof of our friendship. At the same time, the government of Mauritius is offering the Grand Commander title to Shri Modi ji, and he deserves it. This shows the relationship between Mauritius and India, and Shri Modi ji has said the right thing that Mauritius is not just a friend; it’s a member of the family, and we are proud of that. Vishwa Mitra, and we are proud of India and the relationship,” he stated. He also praised PM Modi’s visit to Mauritius, expressing, “This is a grand visit. This further consolidates the relationship between Mauritius and India and we are grateful that Shri Modi ji took some time to come to Mauritius and to the whole people and nation of India, we are grateful.”

Gunness praised PM Modi’s determination to expand OCI cards to the 7th generation of the Indian diaspora in Mauritius. He thanked PM Modi for his visit and emphasised that “there is no word that can express how we feel today.”

“It’s a great thing. We already have our OCI, but it’s great that the Prime Minister Modi extended it to the 7th generation and our Prime Minister today and his wife got the OCI. And as the Prime Minister said, Mauritius and India are family. So, we are two families, and we are very proud, and we are very grateful that the Prime Minister has spared some time in his tight schedule to come to Mauritius to visit us and we are very proud of that. We are very proud. Indeed, there is no word that can express how we feel today,” he declared.

Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius, highlighting India’s crucial role in the country’s development across multiple sectors. He expressed gratitude for India’s ongoing support, including the recent decision to grant OCI cards to Mauritian citizens.

While addressing an Indian community event, PM Ramgoolam described PM Modi’s visit as a meaningful gesture. “It is very rare for politicians like us to be at a loss for words. I am bereft of words because I am so touched by Prime Minister Modi’s gesture,” he expressed.

Ramgoolam highlighted key areas where India has worked closely with Mauritius, including the construction industry, tourism, medical sector, hospitality, and financial services, all vital to the country’s economic growth.

He also spoke about the deep historical and cultural connections, recalling how indentured labourers arrived in Mauritius with little but their faith, bringing the Bhagavad Gita, the Ramayana, and memories of their homeland. He stressed, “This is why they were intrinsically bound by unshakeable ties to the motherland.”

Motivating Indian investors to explore possibilities in Mauritius, PM Ramgoolam introduced the country’s investment initiative, “Bridge to the Future,” to draw investments and streamline business operations.

He ended his speech with the words, “Jai Hind, Jai Mauritius.”

On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to Mauritius as “a close maritime neighbour” and “a key partner in the Indian Ocean.”

India and Mauritius are expected to sign agreements on maritime security, tackling financial crimes, and training civil servants from the island nation.

“The visit… will therefore provide an occasion for early engagement between the two leaders. It will come right in the beginning of a fresh term of office for Prime Minister Ramgoolam and of course, Prime Minister Modi, also into his third term of office. The visit… will enable both sides to take stock of bilateral ties and provide orientation to engagement in the coming months and years,” said Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

Misri shared details about potential agreements, stating, “During the current visit, we expect to sign a technical agreement on sharing white-shipping information between the Indian Navy and Mauritius authorities. It will further enhance maritime security of Mauritius, safety of its trading corridors, and enhance regional cooperation in real-time sharing of data. It will enable Indian authorities and Mauritius authorities to cooperate in preventing illegal activities, improve Mauritius’ maritime domain awareness in the region.” In addition to the Indian Navy, the Mauritius police force will be involved in these efforts.

He also mentioned that an allied Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is set to be signed between the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), the Ministry of Earth Sciences, and the Prime Minister’s Office of Mauritius. This agreement will establish a broad framework for collaboration in ocean observation, research, and information management while strengthening Mauritius maritime zone management.

Regarding financial crimes, he stated that an MoU is in the works between India’s Enforcement Directorate and Mauritius’ Financial Crimes Commission to enhance cooperation in tackling financial offences.

On training, he highlighted plans for an agreement between Mauritius' Ministry of Public Service and Administrative Reforms and India’s National Centre for Good Governance. Under this arrangement, 500 Mauritian civil servants will undergo training over five years at the National Centre for Good Governance, focusing on senior leadership, middle management, and technical officers.