Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Mauritius at 6 a.m. (local time) on Tuesday to a grand and warm reception. He was personally welcomed with a garland by Mauritius Prime Minister Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, at the airport, along with several senior leaders.

Among those present were the Deputy Prime Minister, Chief Justice, Speaker of the National Assembly, Leader of the Opposition, Foreign Minister, Cabinet Secretary, and the Grand Port District Council Chairperson. Around 200 notable figures, including Members of Parliament, Legislative Assembly members, diplomats and religious leaders, were also there to greet the Indian Prime Minister. PM Modi had left for Mauritius late Monday night for a two-day visit. During his stay, he will participate as the Chief Guest in the country’s National Day celebrations on March 12.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted the importance of this visit in deepening the strong relationship between India and Mauritius. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared a post on X, saying, “Strengthening India-Mauritius enduring ties! PM @narendramodi has embarked on a two-day State visit to Port Louis, Mauritius. He will participate as the Chief Guest at Mauritius’ National Day celebrations and also meet Mauritian leadership and dignitaries.”

PM Modi was welcomed by a heartfelt and culturally vibrant greeting in Mauritius on Tuesday, as members of Indian descent greeted him with a traditional Bihari Geet Gawai performance. He was seen appreciating the music and clapping along with the performers.

Geet Gawai is a classic Bhojpuri musical art form that carries the rich cultural heritage of the Bhojpuri-speaking women who migrated to Mauritius from India. Acknowledging its cultural importance, UNESCO added Geet Gawai to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2016.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his visit by honouring two prominent figures in Mauritius’ history, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, the country’s first Prime Minister and a key figure in its independence, and Sir Anerood Jugnauth, a former President and Prime Minister.

His first stop was the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden in Port Louis, where he laid a wreath at Ramgoolam’s memorial. Ramgoolam, who also served as Mauritius’ Governor-General, is regarded as the architect of the nation’s independence. Originally called the Royal Botanic Gardens, Pamplemousses, the botanical garden was renamed in his honour in September 1988 on his 88th birth anniversary.

As a gesture of respect, PM Modi and Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam also paid tribute to Sir Anerood Jugnauth, who significantly shaped Mauritius’ modern political and economic framework.

During the visit, both leaders participated in a tree-planting ceremony at the botanical garden as part of the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative. They planted an Aegle Marmelos tree, the wood apple or Bael.

Launched by PM Modi on World Environment Day in June 2024, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam combines environmental consciousness with a tribute to mothers. Under this initiative, more than 27,500 trees were planted in 136 countries and over 1 billion trees were planted in India. PM Modi has personally taken part in tree-planting drives in two countries outside India, including Mauritius.

On his X handle, PM posted, “Memorable welcome in Mauritius. One of the highlights was the deep-rooted cultural connect seen in the Geet-Gawai performance. It’s commendable how the great Bhojpuri language thrives in the culture of Mauritius.”

During his visit to Port Louis on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool and presented him with sacred water from the Ganga, collected during the recently concluded Maha Kumbh. President Gokhool, unanimously elected in December 2024, took over from Prithvirajsing Roopun. A seasoned leader with a background in academia, public service and politics, he previously served as the Minister of Education. To mark PM Modi’s visit and strengthen the deep ties between India and Mauritius, President Gokhool is hosting a State lunch in his honour.

In a symbolic gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cards to Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool and First Lady Vrinda Gokhool on the first day of his visit to the island nation.

During his meeting with President Gokhool at the State House, PM Modi further discussed ways to strengthen the close and special relationship between India and Mauritius.

In addition to his official engagements, PM Modi is set to meet leaders from various political parties in Mauritius during his visit.

“In this context, they recalled the shared history between the two countries and the existence of strong people-to-people linkages. Prime Minister noted that it was an honour for him to attend the National Day celebrations of Mauritius as Chief Guest for the second time,” a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

“Prime Minister also visited the Ayurveda Garden in the State House, established in collaboration with the Government of India. Prime Minister noted that Mauritius is an important partner for India in advancing the benefits of traditional medicine, including Ayurveda,” it further reads.