Context:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Mauritius, emphasized the deep-rooted familial ties between the two nations, highlighting their shared cultural and historical heritage.
Key Highlights
- Girmitiya Struggles
- Modi recalled the hardships of indentured Indian laborers, who were taken to Mauritius by British colonizers. He noted their resilience, drawing strength from Lord Ram and the Ramcharitmanas.
- 1998 Ramayan Conference
- Modi reminisced about his earlier visit to Mauritius for the International Ramayan Conference.
- Ayodhya Ram Mandir
- He appreciated Mauritius’ decision to declare a half-day holiday to mark the Ram Mandir consecration in Ayodhya.
Honors and Diplomatic Engagements
- Highest Civilian Award
- Mauritius PM Navin Ramgoolam announced that Modi would receive the ‘Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (GCSK)’, the nation’s highest civilian honor, during National Day celebrations.
- OCI Card Expansion
- Modi personally handed over OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cards to Ramgoolam and his spouse Veena Ramgoolam. He also announced a special provision for Mauritius allowing OCI status up to the seventh generation of Indian-origin Mauritians.
Economic and Strategic Cooperation
- Development Partnership
- Modi reiterated India’s commitment to supporting Mauritius’ development projects.
- Agreements Signing
- High-level delegation talks are scheduled, followed by the signing of multiple bilateral agreements.
- India’s SAGAR Vision
- Modi highlighted the India-Mauritius partnership as a key component of India’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative and its broader engagement with the Global South.
Source: TOI
