PM Modi Hails Mauritius as India’s ‘Family’ and a Bridge to the Global South.
Mauritius:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Mauritius on Tuesday, lauded the island nation as a “bridge” connecting India to the wider Global South, emphasizing that Mauritius is more than just a partner for India—it is an integral part of India’s family.
Addressing a vibrant gathering of the Indian diaspora in Port Louis, Modi described Mauritius as a “Mini India” and spoke of the deep-rooted ties shared between the two nations, both historically and culturally. “Mauritius is not just a partner country. For us, Mauritius is family!” Modi said, stressing the significance of the bond shared by the two countries, which spans centuries and is anchored in a shared heritage and the human spirit.
The Prime Minister highlighted that Mauritius holds a pivotal role in India’s vision for regional security and prosperity. He recalled the announcement of India’s SAGAR vision (Security and Growth for All in the Region) in 2015, asserting that Mauritius remains at the heart of this strategic initiative. “A decade ago, in 2015, on my first visit as PM, I announced India’s SAGAR vision. Today, Mauritius is still at the center of this vision,” he noted.
The event was attended by Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, along with his wife and other cabinet ministers. During the ceremony, Modi presented Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards to both Prime Minister Ramgoolam and his wife, Veena. In a gesture of extending the bond further, he also announced that the OCI card will be available to the seventh generation of the Indian diaspora in Mauritius, marking a significant step in strengthening cultural and familial ties between the two nations.
Prime Minister Modi, who was conferred with the highest civilian honor of Mauritius – The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean – expressed his deep gratitude for the recognition. He humbly accepted the honor, stating, “This is not just an honor for me, but an honor for the historic bond between India and Mauritius.”
Modi is set to attend the national day celebrations of Mauritius on Wednesday as the chief guest, a momentous occasion that further emphasizes the strong and enduring relationship between the two nations.
Through this visit, PM Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Mauritius, not only in terms of diplomatic relations but also through cultural and people-to-people exchanges. The strong friendship between India and Mauritius continues to flourish, symbolizing shared values, historical connections, and a future of collective growth and security.
