Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean, the highest national award of Mauritius, on the country’s National Day. Thousands of Mauritians braved heavy rain to witness this historic moment as PM Modi accepted the prestigious award.
In his speech, PM Modi expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the honor, stating that it was not only a personal achievement but also a tribute to 1.4 billion Indians. He highlighted the strong cultural and historical ties between India and Mauritius, emphasizing the shared commitment to regional peace, security, and sustainable development. “This is a tribute to the centuries-old cultural and historical bonds of kinship between India and Mauritius,” he said.
The award was presented by Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, who announced it as a historic gesture. With only five foreign dignitaries having received this award, including Nelson Mandela in 1998, this marks the 21st international accolade awarded to PM Modi.
PM Modi dedicated the honor to the Indian ancestors who migrated to Mauritius, praising their contributions to the nation’s development and vibrant diversity. “I dedicate this award to your ancestors who came from India to Mauritius centuries ago and to all their generations,” he remarked.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening the India-Mauritius Strategic Partnership, expressing his determination to elevate the bilateral relations to new heights. “I embrace this honor as a responsibility and reaffirm our commitment to enhance India-Mauritius Strategic Partnership,” he stated.
Earlier, PM Modi and PM Ramgoolam held discussions on expanding cooperation between the two nations, focusing on areas such as infrastructure, housing, digital technology, health, AI, capacity building, and sustainable growth, taking the partnership to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership.
