Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam hosted a state dinner on Tuesday in honour of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing his deep pride and gratitude for Modi’s acceptance of the invitation.
Welcoming PM Modi to the country’s National Day celebrations, Ramgoolam described the occasion as a testament to the strong bond between the two nations. “I am immensely proud and honoured, Prime Minister, that you have accepted my invitation to grace our National Day celebrations with your presence despite your very heavy schedule. It is a testimony of your deep feelings for Mauritius,” he stated.
Ramgoolam also recalled the privilege of being invited to PM Modi’s first swearing-in ceremony in 2014 and expressed hope for another invitation in the future. “On a personal note, I recall with great pride and a sense of profound gratitude the unique privilege you so kindly honoured me with by inviting me to your first swearing-in ceremony as Prime Minister of India in 2014. I am hopeful that you will invite me for the fourth swearing-in as well,” he added.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi addressed a gathering of the Indian community in Mauritius at a special event held at the Trianon Convention Centre. He spoke of his long-standing connection with the nation, recalling his visit in 1998 to attend the International Ramayan Conference. “I came here in 1998 to attend the International Ramayan Conference… I can still experience that faith today, which I experienced years ago.”
PM Modi also highlighted the cultural and spiritual ties between the two nations, referencing last year’s Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Lord Ram Lalla in Ayodhya and the Mauritius government’s declaration of a half-day holiday in its honour. “This connection of faith is the base of the friendship between India and Mauritius,” he said.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from the Indian diaspora, including students, professionals, socio-cultural organizations, and business leaders. Several Ministers, Members of Parliament, and other dignitaries from Mauritius were also in attendance.
PM Modi is on an official visit to Mauritius from March 11-12, strengthening the enduring ties between the two nations.
