Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Mauritius, emphasized the deep historical and cultural ties between India and the island nation. Addressing the Indian community at the Trianon Convention Centre, PM Modi shared how many Mauritians had participated in the recently concluded Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, while many others were unable to attend.
To honor their devotion, Modi carried holy water from the Sangam, which will be merged with Ganga Talab in Mauritius. "Many families from Mauritius attended the Maha Kumbh recently. The world was surprised to see the largest gathering of 65-66 crore people. However, several families could not attend. I was concerned about their sentiments, so I brought the sacred Sangam water. It will be merged into Ganga Talab tomorrow, and I pray for Mauritius’s prosperity with the blessings of Maa Ganga," PM Modi stated.
The Prime Minister also reflected on the resilience of Indian freedom fighters who were brought to Mauritius 200 years ago under harsh conditions. "They were tortured, but in those tough times, Lord Ram and the Ramcharitmanas gave them strength and inspiration," he said. Modi recalled his visit to Mauritius in 1998 for the International Ramayan Conference, expressing how the deep-rooted faith remains unchanged over the years.
प्रभु श्री राम हों या रामायण या फिर गंगा मैया के प्रति अटूट आस्था, भारत-मॉरीशस के बीच मित्रता का यह बहुत बड़ा आधार है। pic.twitter.com/Yu6yayPnPC
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 11, 2025
The event witnessed an overwhelming response from the Indian diaspora, with students, professionals, cultural groups, and business leaders in attendance. PM Modi also handed over OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cards to former Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam and his wife, Veena Ramgoolam, in a symbolic gesture of strengthening ties.
Further reinforcing the India-Mauritius connection, PM Modi announced a special provision allowing seventh-generation Indian-origin Mauritians to obtain OCI cards, a move aimed at preserving the Girmitiya legacy.
As the Chief Guest at Mauritius’s National Day celebrations, Modi honored historical figures who fought for Mauritius’s independence, including Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, Sir Anerood Jugnauth, and Manilal Doctor. He emphasized India’s longstanding role as a development partner of Mauritius, reaffirming its commitment under the SAGAR Vision and strengthening its engagement with the Global South.
