On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Mauritius’ highest civilian award, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean. Mauritius’s president, Dharam Gokhool, awarded the medal during a magnificent event on the island nation. With this award, PM Modi becomes the first Indian leader to acquire such high recognition.
Accepting the prize, Modi expressed sincere gratitude, describing it as not only a personal honour but also a tribute to 1.4 billion Indians. He highlighted the centuries-long cultural and historical linkages between India and Mauritius. He emphasised that the award represents both nations’ shared ambitions and commitment to regional peace, stability, and sustainable development.
Prime Minister Modi is in Mauritius for a two-day visit at the invitation of his Mauritian counterpart, Navinchandra Ramgoolam. The visit has strengthened diplomatic relations between the two countries.
During the visit, eight memoranda of understanding were signed, spanning a wide range of development activities. PM Modi also pledged India’s contribution to the construction of a new parliament building in Mauritius. He referred to Mauritius as a “gateway to Africa” and emphasised India’s commitment to strengthening ties with its maritime neighbour.
