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During his visit, Modi also paid homage at Ganga Talao, a revered pilgrimage site for the Indian diaspora in Mauritius
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He offered prayers and immersed holy water from the Triveni Sangam, brought from the Mahakumbh Mela in India
Mauritius has conferred its highest civilian honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean, on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in recognition of his efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and foster regional cooperation. The prestigious award was presented by Mauritian President Dharambeer Gokhool during the island nation’s National Day celebrations in Port Louis.
In his acceptance speech, Modi dedicated the honour to the people of Indian origin who migrated to Mauritius centuries ago, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to the nation’s development and cultural vibrancy. “This award is not just a personal honour but a tribute to the deep-rooted historical and cultural bonds between India and Mauritius,” he remarked. “It reaffirms our shared commitment to regional peace, progress, security, and sustainable development, symbolizing the aspirations of the Global South.”
Mauritius has a significant Indian-origin population, with nearly 70% of its 1.2 million citizens tracing their ancestry to indentured labourers brought from India in the 18th century. The cultural influence of states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh remains deeply embedded in the daily lives of the people through language, cuisine, and traditions.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs described this gesture as a testament to the spiritual and cultural unity between the two nations, reinforcing their commitment to preserving shared traditions and heritage
Modi also emphasized his dedication to further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations, stating, “I accept this honour as a responsibility and pledge to enhance India-Mauritius ties to greater heights.”
Over the years, Modi has been recognized with numerous international state honours, including Saudi Arabia’s Order of King Abdul Aziz, the UAE’s Order of Zayed, Egypt’s Order of the Nile, and the Order of Fiji. This marks the second time that Modi has been the chief guest at Mauritius’ National Day celebrations.
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