Paromita Das
New Delhi: Bharatiya Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been honored with Mauritius’ highest national award, The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (GCSK), in recognition of his contributions to strengthening Bharat-Mauritius relations. The award, presented by Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam on the first day of PM Modi’s visit, marks a historic milestone as Modi becomes the first Bharatiya leader to receive this prestigious honor. This also adds to Modi’s growing list of international recognitions, making it the 21st global award conferred upon him by foreign nations.
The visit has been particularly symbolic, underscoring Bharat’s deep-rooted ties with Mauritius—a country with strong historical, cultural, and economic connections to Bharat. With eight new agreements signed between the two nations, covering areas from maritime security to financial cooperation, the visit has set the stage for a new era of strategic and economic collaboration between the two nations.
Strengthening Diplomatic and Economic Partnerships
During his visit, PM Modi attended Mauritius’ National Day celebrations as the Chief Guest for the second time, highlighting the special relationship between the two nations. In a key gesture of goodwill, he also handed over Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards to Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool and First Lady Vrinda Gokhool, symbolizing Bharat’s commitment to strengthening its people-to-people ties with Mauritius.
A major highlight of the visit was the signing of eight Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between Bharat and Mauritius. These agreements aim to enhance bilateral cooperation in sectors such as crime investigation, maritime security, trade, capacity building, finance, and the ocean economy. The agreements reinforce Bharat’s role as a key developmental partner for Mauritius and demonstrate Bharat’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy in action.
During a joint press conference, PM Modi reiterated Bharat’s unwavering commitment to Mauritius, stating, “The relationship between Bharat and Mauritius is not only linked to the Indian Ocean but also to our shared cultural traditions and values. We are each other’s partners on the path of economic and social progress.”
Bharat’s Developmental Support for Mauritius
PM Modi also highlighted Bharat’s long-standing role in Mauritius’ economic and infrastructural development, citing key projects completed over the last decade. These include the Metro Express, the Supreme Court building, social housing initiatives, the ENT hospital, and digital advancements such as UPI and RuPay cards—all of which have boosted trade, tourism, and digital transformation in Mauritius.
Further deepening this engagement, PM Modi announced that Bharat would support the construction of a new parliament building in Mauritius, calling it a “gift from the Mother of Democracy”. He also committed to modernizing a 100-kilometer-long water pipeline and launching new community development projects worth 500 million Mauritian rupees.
To strengthen administrative and governance capabilities, Modi revealed that over 500 Mauritian civil servants will be trained in Bharat over the next five years. He also stressed the importance of local currency trade settlements between the two nations to reduce dependence on foreign exchange fluctuations.
Security and Maritime Cooperation: A Key Strategic Focus
Security and defense cooperation were major focal points of discussions, with Bharat pledging full support for Mauritius’ maritime security. As part of this collaboration, Bharat will assist in establishing a police academy and a national maritime information-sharing center in Mauritius.
PM Modi emphasized that a free, open, and secure Indian Ocean remains Bharat’s top priority, and Bharat will continue to play an active role in safeguarding Mauritius’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). He noted that both nations would enhance cooperation in white shipping, the blue economy, and hydrography, ensuring that the Indian Ocean remains a safe and prosperous region.
In a larger regional context, PM Modi reiterated Bharat’s respect for Mauritius’ sovereignty and pledged greater collaboration through the Colombo Security Conclave, the Indian Ocean Rim Association, and the Indian Ocean Conference.
Cultural and People-to-People Ties: Strengthening Historical Bonds
Mauritius has long been home to a significant Bharatiya diaspora, and PM Modi made special mention of the cultural and spiritual connection between the two nations. He announced plans to facilitate Char Dham Yatra and Ramayana circuit tours for the people of Mauritius, strengthening spiritual ties and religious tourism.
Recognizing the historical importance of Indo-Mauritian heritage, Modi emphasized efforts to preserve and promote inscribed cultural heritage, ensuring that future generations continue to cherish their shared history.
Mauritius’ Warm Welcome and Bilateral Commitments
Welcoming PM Modi, Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam expressed deep gratitude for Bharat’s continued support. He called Modi’s presence at Mauritius’ National Day celebrations a reflection of the “unique and special relationship” between the two nations.
Ramgoolam recalled that while diplomatic ties were formally established in 1948, the historical and cultural connection between Bharat and Mauritius dates back centuries. He praised Modi’s leadership in strengthening this relationship and ensuring that Bharat remains a trusted partner for Mauritius’ socio-economic development.
Key Agreements Signed Between Bharat and Mauritius
Several major agreements were signed during PM Modi’s visit, including:
- A Local Currency Settlement System MoU between the Central Bank of Mauritius and the Reserve Bank of India, facilitating smoother financial transactions between the two nations.
- A Credit Facility Agreement between the Government of Mauritius and the State Bank of India to finance water infrastructure projects under the Pipe Replacement Programme.
- An MoU between the Institute of Foreign Service of India and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mauritius, enabling the training of Mauritian diplomats.
- A Security Agreement on White Shipping Information Sharing between the Bharatiya Navy and the Mauritius Police Force, enhancing maritime security.
- An MoU between the Financial Crimes Commission of Mauritius and Bharat’s Enforcement Directorate, reinforcing efforts to combat financial crimes.
- An MoU between the Ministry of Industry, SMEs, and Cooperatives of Mauritius and India’s Ministry of MSMEs, fostering economic collaboration.
- An MoU on Civil Service Training between the Ministry of Public Service of Mauritius and India’s National Centre for Good Governance.
- An Agreement on Ocean Research and Continental Shelf Administration between the Bharatiya National Centre for Ocean Information Services and the Mauritius Prime Minister’s Office.
These agreements mark a significant step forward in bilateral relations, reinforcing the strategic, economic, and cultural partnership between the two nations.
Conclusion: A Milestone in Bharat-Mauritius Relations
PM Modi’s visit to Mauritius has reinforced Bharat’s commitment to being a key partner in Mauritius’ development. From infrastructure and security to economic growth and cultural ties, the agreements signed and the initiatives announced reflect a comprehensive partnership built on mutual trust and respect.
Being awarded Mauritius’ highest national honor, Modi has not only strengthened Bharat’s diplomatic standing in the Bharatiya Ocean region but also reaffirmed Bharat’s role as a global leader fostering development, peace, and strategic cooperation.
As the two nations continue to deepen their bonds, this visit will be remembered as a historic moment in Indo-Mauritian relations, paving the way for a stronger and more prosperous future.
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