Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Mauritius to a warm and elaborate welcome at 6 a.m. (local time) on Tuesday. Despite the early hour, the reception was marked by the presence of top dignitaries and enthusiastic members of the Indian community.
Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam personally greeted PM Modi with a garland, leading a high-level delegation that included the Deputy Prime Minister, the Chief Justice of Mauritius, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Leader of the Opposition, the Foreign Minister, the Cabinet Secretary, and the Chairperson of the Grand Port District Council. A total of 200 dignitaries were in attendance, comprising Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assembly, diplomats, and religious leaders.
PM Modi’s visit to Mauritius follows his departure late Monday night for a two-day state visit. He will participate as the Chief Guest at Mauritius’ National Day celebrations on March 12. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that the visit aims to strengthen the enduring ties between India and Mauritius.
“Strengthening India-Mauritius enduring ties! PM @narendramodi has embarked on a 2-day State visit to Port Louis, Mauritius. PM will participate as the Chief Guest at Mauritius’ National Day Celebrations & also meet Mauritian leadership & dignitaries,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X.
The Indian community in Mauritius gathered in large numbers at the airport, eagerly awaiting a glimpse of the Indian Prime Minister. Sharad Barnwal, a member of the Indian diaspora, expressed the community’s excitement: “We are all very excited. We have gathered here since morning. The friendship between India and Mauritius has always been great, and after this visit of PM Modi, the relationship will get stronger.”
Kadambini Acharya, Director of the Cultural Centre of the High Commissioner of India to Mauritius, added, “We have been preparing to welcome PM Modi for the last month. We will be very happy to meet and welcome him.”
This visit underscores the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and strategic relationship between the two nations and is expected to open a new chapter in their bilateral partnership.