Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Mauritius on March 11, 2025. During this important visit, he was given the highest civilian honor of Mauritius, called the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (GCSK). This award is a sign of respect and recognition for his efforts in making the relationship between India and Mauritius stronger. The award ceremony took place at the Trianon Convention Centre in Port Louis, where the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, gave the award to PM Modi. This event marked an important moment in the relationship between the two countries, as it showed how much Mauritius values the support and friendship of India. PM Modi was happy and thankful for the award and said that it is a symbol of the deep friendship between the people of India and Mauritius. He also mentioned that the historical and cultural connection between the two countries is very strong, and it is important to continue working together to make this relationship even better in the future.
The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (GCSK) is the highest civilian award in Mauritius. It is given to people who have made a big difference in the country or have helped improve the relationship between Mauritius and other countries. By giving this award to PM Modi, Mauritius showed that they appreciate how much he has done to help Mauritius and to build a stronger connection between India and Mauritius. This award also reflects the respect that Mauritius has for PM Modi’s leadership and the role that India plays in the Indian Ocean region. The ceremony was attended by important officials from both countries, and it was a proud moment for India and Mauritius. PM Modi thanked the people of Mauritius for this honor and said that it reflects the close and special bond that the two countries have shared for many years.
During his visit, PM Modi also gave Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards to Mauritius Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam and his wife, Mrs. Veena Ramgoolam. This was a special gesture because it represents the strong connection between the people of India and Mauritius. The OCI card allows people of Indian origin who are living in other countries to have special rights in India, such as visiting India without a visa and working or studying in India. By giving these cards to Dr. Ramgoolam and his wife, PM Modi showed that the relationship between India and Mauritius is not only about politics and trade but also about the deep connection between the people of both countries. This gesture was appreciated by the people of Mauritius, and it showed that India values its cultural and historical ties with Mauritius.
PM Modi’s visit to Mauritius was also important because it happened during the National Day celebrations of Mauritius. He was invited as the chief guest for this special occasion, which showed how much Mauritius respects and values India’s friendship. National Day is a very important event for Mauritius because it marks the day when the country became independent. By inviting PM Modi as the chief guest, Mauritius showed that they see India as a close friend and a strong partner. PM Modi said that India is proud to stand with Mauritius on such an important day and that India will continue to support Mauritius in its development and growth. This visit was a symbol of the shared history and common values that India and Mauritius have built over many years.
The relationship between India and Mauritius is based on shared history and cultural ties. Many people in Mauritius have Indian roots because a large number of Indian workers were brought to Mauritius during the British colonial period. This historical connection has created a strong bond between the two countries. Over the years, India and Mauritius have worked together in many areas, including trade, education, health, and defense. India has provided support to Mauritius in building infrastructure, developing its economy, and improving its healthcare system. PM Modi’s visit was an opportunity to strengthen this partnership and explore new ways to work together in the future. Both countries agreed to continue working together in areas such as maritime security, trade, and cultural exchange.
PM Modi and Dr. Ramgoolam also discussed how India and Mauritius can work together to improve maritime security in the Indian Ocean. The Indian Ocean is very important for trade and security, and both countries have an interest in keeping it safe and peaceful. India has been helping Mauritius by providing ships and training for its coast guard. This helps Mauritius to protect its waters and prevent problems such as illegal fishing and smuggling. PM Modi said that India will continue to support Mauritius in strengthening its maritime security and that both countries will work together to keep the Indian Ocean safe. This is an important area of cooperation because a stable and secure Indian Ocean is important for the economy and security of both countries.
Another important area of cooperation between India and Mauritius is infrastructure development. India has been helping Mauritius build roads, bridges, and public buildings. PM Modi said that India will continue to support Mauritius in its infrastructure projects because good infrastructure is important for economic growth and improving the quality of life for people. India has also helped Mauritius in setting up modern hospitals, schools, and other public facilities. PM Modi said that India’s support for Mauritius reflects the strong friendship between the two countries and that India is happy to help Mauritius grow and develop. This cooperation in infrastructure development is an example of how India and Mauritius are working together for the benefit of their people.
PM Modi’s visit also focused on strengthening cultural ties between India and Mauritius. Cultural exchange programs help people from both countries to understand each other better and to keep their shared traditions alive. India and Mauritius have a lot in common in terms of language, food, music, and festivals. PM Modi said that cultural ties are important because they help people feel connected to each other. India has been supporting Mauritius in preserving and promoting Indian culture through events, festivals, and cultural centers. PM Modi said that India will continue to support these efforts because cultural connections are the foundation of a strong and lasting friendship.
Education and skill development were also discussed during PM Modi’s visit. India has been helping Mauritius in setting up schools, colleges, and training centers. Indian teachers and experts have been working in Mauritius to help improve the education system and provide skills training to young people. PM Modi said that education is the key to a better future and that India will continue to support Mauritius in providing quality education and skills training to its people. This cooperation in education reflects the strong bond between the two countries and their shared commitment to building a better future for the next generation.
PM Modi’s visit to Mauritius was also a moment to reflect on the historical connection between the two countries. The Indian community in Mauritius has played a big role in shaping the culture and identity of the country. PM Modi visited places that are important to the Indian community in Mauritius and met with members of the Indian diaspora. He said that the Indian community in Mauritius is a bridge between the two countries and that India is proud of the contributions that Indian-origin people have made to Mauritius. PM Modi said that India will continue to support the Indian diaspora in Mauritius and will work to strengthen the bond between the two communities.
The honor given to PM Modi marks the 21st international award that he has received for his leadership and contribution to international relations. This shows that PM Modi’s work is being recognized not only in India but also around the world. The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean is a symbol of the respect and appreciation that Mauritius has for PM Modi and for India’s role in the Indian Ocean region. This award reflects the strong and growing relationship between India and Mauritius and the shared commitment to working together for peace, prosperity, and development.
PM Modi’s visit to Mauritius was a success in many ways. It strengthened the political, economic, and cultural ties between the two countries. It also showed that India and Mauritius are committed to working together to address common challenges and to explore new opportunities for cooperation. PM Modi said that the relationship between India and Mauritius is based on trust, respect, and shared values. He said that India will continue to support Mauritius in its development journey and that the friendship between the two countries will continue to grow stronger in the years to come. This visit was an important step in deepening the bond between India and Mauritius and building a brighter future together.
India and Mauritius have a long history of friendship and cooperation, which has grown stronger over the years. PM Modi’s visit to Mauritius in March 2025 marked a new chapter in this relationship. While the awarding of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean was the highlight of the visit, there were many other important aspects of the trip that helped to deepen the bond between the two nations. One of the key factors driving this relationship is the strategic location of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. The Indian Ocean is not only important for trade and commerce but also for security and geopolitical balance. India sees Mauritius as a key partner in maintaining peace and stability in the region. During the visit, PM Modi and the leadership of Mauritius discussed how both countries can work together to strengthen maritime security and tackle common challenges such as piracy, illegal fishing, and drug trafficking. India has already provided ships, equipment, and training to the Mauritian Coast Guard, and PM Modi assured that India would continue to support Mauritius in these efforts.
Economic cooperation between India and Mauritius has also been growing steadily. India is one of the largest trading partners of Mauritius, and both countries have benefited from increased trade and investment. During the visit, PM Modi emphasized the need to explore new opportunities for economic cooperation. This includes expanding trade in areas such as information technology, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and renewable energy. India has been supporting Mauritius in setting up renewable energy projects, including solar and wind energy, to help reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels. PM Modi said that India is willing to share its expertise and technology with Mauritius to help it become more self-sufficient in energy production. Both leaders also discussed the possibility of setting up a free trade agreement between the two countries to further boost trade and investment.
Tourism is another important area of cooperation between India and Mauritius. Mauritius is a popular destination for Indian tourists because of its beautiful beaches, cultural diversity, and historical ties to India. PM Modi and the Mauritian leadership discussed ways to promote tourism between the two countries, including improving air connectivity and simplifying visa procedures. India has been supporting Mauritius in developing its tourism infrastructure, including building new hotels and resorts, improving transport facilities, and training professionals in the tourism sector. PM Modi said that tourism not only helps boost the economy but also strengthens people-to-people connections. He invited more Mauritian citizens to visit India and experience its rich cultural and historical heritage.
Healthcare is another key area where India and Mauritius have been working together. India has been providing medical assistance to Mauritius, including supplying medicines, sending doctors, and setting up hospitals and clinics. During the visit, PM Modi announced that India would provide more support to Mauritius in developing its healthcare infrastructure. This includes training doctors and nurses, providing modern medical equipment, and setting up telemedicine facilities to allow patients in Mauritius to consult Indian doctors remotely. PM Modi said that health is a basic human right, and India is committed to helping Mauritius improve its healthcare system so that all citizens have access to quality medical care.
Education and skill development were also major topics of discussion during the visit. PM Modi highlighted the importance of providing young people with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a global economy. India has been supporting Mauritius in setting up schools, colleges, and vocational training centers. PM Modi announced that India would offer more scholarships to Mauritian students to study in Indian universities. He also said that Indian experts would work with Mauritian educational institutions to develop new programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). PM Modi said that investing in education and skill development is essential for building a strong and self-reliant society.
PM Modi also spoke about the importance of digital technology and how it can be used to improve governance, business, and daily life. India has been helping Mauritius set up e-governance systems, including digital payment platforms and online public services. PM Modi announced that India would provide more technical support to Mauritius to expand its digital infrastructure. He said that digital technology can make government services more efficient and transparent, improve business opportunities, and make it easier for people to access information and services. He also highlighted India’s success in developing its digital economy and said that India is willing to share its experience and technology with Mauritius.
Cultural ties between India and Mauritius have always been strong because of the shared heritage and history between the two countries. During the visit, PM Modi attended several cultural events where he interacted with the Indian diaspora in Mauritius. He praised the Indian community in Mauritius for preserving their culture and traditions while contributing to the development of Mauritius. PM Modi announced that India would support more cultural exchange programs, including sending Indian artists, musicians, and performers to Mauritius and inviting Mauritian cultural groups to perform in India. He said that cultural exchanges help to strengthen the emotional and historical bond between the two countries.
PM Modi also visited historical sites in Mauritius that have a connection to India’s colonial past. He visited the Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where Indian indentured laborers first arrived in Mauritius in the 19th century. PM Modi paid tribute to the struggles and sacrifices of the Indian laborers who helped build the foundation of modern Mauritius. He said that the story of the Indian community in Mauritius is an example of strength, resilience, and hard work. PM Modi said that India is proud of the achievements of the Indian community in Mauritius and that their success is a source of inspiration for people in India and around the world.
Environmental protection and climate change were also important topics during the visit. Mauritius, being a small island nation, is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels and extreme weather events. PM Modi announced that India would support Mauritius in protecting its environment and dealing with the effects of climate change. This includes providing technology and expertise in areas such as coastal protection, renewable energy, and disaster management. PM Modi said that protecting the environment is not only important for future generations but also for ensuring the survival and prosperity of small island nations like Mauritius.
PM Modi’s visit to Mauritius also had an emotional and personal side. He met with families of Indian-origin Mauritians and listened to their stories about maintaining their Indian roots while building a new life in Mauritius. PM Modi said that the Indian diaspora in Mauritius is a bridge between the two countries and that India will always support and protect the interests of the Indian community abroad. He also visited local markets and community centers, where he interacted with local people and learned about their lives and challenges. PM Modi said that his visit was not only about politics and diplomacy but also about strengthening human connections and understanding the needs and hopes of the people.
The visit ended with a joint statement from PM Modi and Dr. Ramgoolam, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the strategic partnership between India and Mauritius. They announced new agreements in areas such as trade, defense, infrastructure, and culture. PM Modi said that India sees Mauritius not only as a friend but also as a family member and that the two countries will continue to support each other in the future. He said that the bond between India and Mauritius is based on trust, respect, and shared values, and that this partnership will continue to grow stronger in the years to come.