Mauritius announces highest award for PM Modi, a first for India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam announced the country's highest award 'The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean' to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

PM Modi is the first Indian to receive the honour -- making it the 21st international award bestowed upon him by a foreign country.

This comes amid the two-day visit of the Indian Prime Minister to the island nation.

“This is an honour for the historical relations between India and Mauritius. I express my gratitude to every citizen of Mauritius and the government here for this honour," the Prime Minister said on being conferred with the prestigious award.

Ramgoolam said Modi is the fifth foreign national to receive this distinguished recognition.

Meanwhile, in a significant gesture, Modi presented Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards to Mauritius PM and his wife, Veena Ramgoolam during a community event in Port Louis.

Earlier in the day, Modi presented OCI cards to Mauritius' President Dharambeer Gokhool and First Lady Vrinda Gokhool. The handover, conducted on the first day of the state visit, reinforced India's ongoing commitment to its diaspora and its strong bilateral ties with Mauritius.

During President Droupadi Murmu’s state visit to Mauritius in March 2024, India extended eligibility for OCI cards to Mauritian nationals of Indian lineage traceable up to the seventh generation — an initiative aimed at fostering closer ties with the Indian diaspora.

Mauritius is home to 22,188 Indian nationals and 13,198 OCI card holders, reflecting the significant presence of the Indian community in the country.

The OCI card grants holders the right to live, work, and study in India indefinitely, while also facilitating visa-free travel and other privileges.

As PM Modi’s visit continues until March 12, the second day is expected to feature major announcements, with at least eight MoUs to be signed in critical areas such as maritime security, cultural cooperation, and community development.