Gl1QCwfXUAAIgj7PM Modi attends National Day celebrations in Mauritius, hails deep-rooted ties between both countriesGl1QE3qXoAAfJacMauritius PM announces its highest award
Mauritius PM announces its highest award
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday attended the National Day celebrations of Mauritius as the Chief Guest for the second time, an honor he first received in 2015.
“Honored to attend the National Day celebrations of Mauritius! Wishing the people of Mauritius continued prosperity and success as we also strengthen the deep-rooted ties between our countries,” PM Modi posted on X after participating in the event.
Mauritius Confers Highest Civilian Honor on PM Modi
During the celebrations, Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool conferred the ‘Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean’ (GCSK) award on Prime Minister Modi. This is the highest civilian award in Mauritius and marks the first time an Indian leader has received the honor.
Dedicating the award to the special friendship between India and Mauritius, PM Modi said it belonged to the 1.4 billion people of India and their 1.3 million “brothers and sisters” in Mauritius.
On Tuesday, the Mauritius government had announced its decision to bestow the country’s highest honor on PM Modi during his ongoing two-day state visit to the Indian Ocean archipelago. Mauritius Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam made the announcement just before PM Modi addressed an Indian community event in Port Louis.
“It is very fitting for you, Prime Minister. Since we became a republic, only five foreign dignitaries have received this title, among them being a person we call the ‘Gandhi of Africa’—Nelson Mandela, who was honored in 1998. Let me tell you, we are greatly honored to have you among us today, especially as you took time out of your very, very busy schedule,” PM Ramgoolam said, drawing loud applause from the audience.
This award marks the 21st international honor conferred upon PM Modi by a foreign nation.
Strengthening Bilateral and Cultural Ties
The National Day celebrations saw the participation of an Indian Navy marching contingent in the parade, along with an Indian naval ship making a port call to coincide with the event.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi extended his best wishes to the people of Mauritius on their National Day. “Looking forward to today’s programs, including taking part in the celebrations,” he said, while also sharing highlights from his key meetings and engagements on Tuesday.
The rare repeat invitation to PM Modi as the Chief Guest underscores the special relationship between India and Mauritius, rooted in shared history, cultural connections, and diaspora ties.
India’s Expanding Global Presence in National Day Celebrations
PM Modi’s participation in international National Day celebrations reflects India’s growing global stature and strategic partnerships.
In 2023, he was the Guest of Honor at France’s Bastille Day Parade, a defining moment that symbolized India’s deepening military and strategic ties with France. The sight of Indian tri-services marching down the Champs-Élysées alongside French troops reinforced India’s growing role in global geopolitics.
In 2022, PM Modi visited Lumbini, Nepal, for Buddha Jayanti celebrations, reaffirming India’s deep historical connection to Buddhism and shared heritage with Nepal. The visit underscored India’s efforts to promote cultural and spiritual diplomacy across the region.
In 2021, Bangladesh invited PM Modi to its National Day celebrations, marking 50 years of its independence—an event closely tied to India’s role in its liberation. The visit reinforced India’s commitment to regional stability and economic cooperation.
Similarly, in 2017, PM Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka for International Vesak Day highlighted India’s role in cultural diplomacy, strengthening ties with Buddhist-majority nations.