Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mauritius Prime Minister Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam at a gathering of the Indian community in Port Louis on March 11, 2025.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Mauritius, has described the island nation as a ‘Mini India’, calling it a place where he feels at home. Addressing a gathering of the Indian community in Port Louis on Tuesday (March 11, 2025), PM Modi highlighted how deeply embedded Indian culture remains in Mauritian society.
PM Modi Conferred With Highest Civilian Honour of Mauritius
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Mauritius marked a significant milestone in India-Mauritius relations, as the Mauritian government conferred upon him its highest civilian honour, the ‘Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (G.C.S.K)’ on Tuesday (March 11, 2025).
In his address, Prime Minister Modi expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the honour and acknowledged it as a recognition of the historic ties between India and Mauritius. “This is not just an honour for me, but for the deep-rooted bonds between our two nations. The people of Mauritius have preserved their Indian heritage with immense pride, and this award reflects our shared history and values,” he said.
The event was attended by Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, members of the Indian diaspora, socio-cultural organizations, business leaders, and dignitaries from both nations.
A Family Bond Between India and Mauritius
Prime Minister Modi spoke warmly about the close ties between India and Mauritius, calling the island nation a ‘Mini India.’
Reflecting on his connection with the country, he stated, “Whenever I come to Mauritius, it feels like I am among my own. The soil here carries the blood and sweat of our ancestors. The taste of daal puri, the rhythm of the dholak, and the cultural vibrance of Mauritius make me feel at home.”
Recalling his last visit to Mauritius exactly 10 years ago, he highlighted how deeply embedded Indian culture remains in Mauritian society. From Bhojpuri folk songs to traditional Indian sweets like gujiyas, the cultural similarities between the two nations serve as a bridge between past and present generations.
PM Modi’s speech also underscored the historical and cultural connections between India and Mauritius. He paid tribute to Mauritian freedom fighters like Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam and Barrister Manilal Doctor, who played crucial roles in the nation’s independence movement.
Recognizing the legacy of the Indian indentured laborers who arrived in Mauritius centuries ago, he announced India’s efforts to document the Girmitiya community’s history, ensuring future generations remain connected to their roots.
To further strengthen these ties, India has extended Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) eligibility to the seventh generation of the Indian diaspora in Mauritius. “This decision ensures that our people-to-people ties will continue to grow stronger, fostering deeper cultural and emotional connections,” the Prime Minister stated.
From Ayodhya to Ganga Talao
PM Modi drew a parallel between India and Mauritius’s shared spiritual heritage, noting the deep reverence for Lord Ram and the Ramayana in Mauritian society. He recalled the enthusiasm with which Mauritius celebrated the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya last year, even declaring a half-day holiday for the occasion.
He also announced that sacred water from the Maha Kumbh, collected from the Triveni Sangam, would be ceremonially immersed in Mauritius’s revered Ganga Talao. “Fifty years ago, Ganga water was brought here from Gomukh; today, we revive this tradition, symbolizing the eternal spiritual bond between our nations,” he remarked.
