Mauritius Announces Highest Civilian Honour For PM Modi, A First For An Indian
Mauritius announces the 'Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean' honour for PM Narendra Modi, making him the first Indian to receive the country's highest award.
Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam on Tuesday announced the country's highest award 'The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean' for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Modi is the first Indian to receive the honour. It is the 21st international award bestowed upon PM Modi by a country.
Announcing the award, Navinchandra Ramgoolam remarked, "The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean is very fitting for you Prime Minister. Since we became a republic, only five foreign dignitaries have got the title. Among them is the person we call the 'Gandhi of Africa' Mr. Nelson Mandela, he received it in 1998."
Accepting the honour, PM Modi said, "What PM Naveen (Navinchandra Ramgoolam) said just now, those words can only come from the heart. I thank from my heart for what he said from his heart... People and the government of Mauritius, and what the PM announced just now, they have decided to give me their highest civilian award. I humbly accept your decision. This is the respect of the historic relations between India and Mauritius."
Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated PM Modi as he posted on X, "Congratulations to PM Narendra Modi on being announced as the recipient of the highest award of Mauritius, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean. This 21st international award for Modi Ji is another honour for his global statesmanship, which is shaping international relations with the ancient mantra of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. It is an elated moment for every citizen of Bharat."
PM Modi Begins 2-Day Mauritius Visit, Meets President Dharambeer Gokhool
Modi, who arrived in Mauritius on Tuesday morning for a two-day State Visit, also met President Dharambeer Gokhool at the State House. During their discussions, both leaders exchanged views on strengthening the special and close bilateral ties between India and Mauritius. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that they recalled the shared history and strong people-to-people connections between the two nations.
Following the meeting, Modi posted on X, "Had a great meeting with His Excellency Mr. Dharambeer Gokhool, President of Mauritius. He is well acquainted with India and Indian culture. Expressed gratitude for inviting me to be a part of the National Day celebrations of Mauritius. We discussed how to further boost bilateral ties across diverse sectors."
In a special gesture, Modi handed over Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards to President Gokhool and First Lady Vrinda Gokhool. He also presented them with symbolic gifts, including holy Sangam water from Mahakumbh in a brass and copper pot and Makhana—a superfood from Bihar. Additionally, he gifted a Banarasi silk saree in a Sadeli box to the First Lady. The Sadeli box, a fine example of Gujarat’s inlay craftsmanship, is known for its intricate designs, while the Banarasi saree represents the rich textile heritage of Varanasi.
President Gokhool later hosted a State lunch in honour of Modi.
During the visit, Modi also explored the Ayurveda Garden in the State House, which was established in collaboration with the Government of India. He highlighted the importance of Ayurveda and India’s commitment to promoting traditional medicine globally. "It is commendable that an Ayurvedic Garden has been built in the State House in Mauritius. I am also happy that Ayurveda is gaining popularity in Mauritius. President Dharambeer Gokhool and I went to the Ayurvedic Garden, giving me the opportunity to see it firsthand," he wrote on X.
Before meeting President Gokhool, Modi and his Mauritius counterpart Navinchandra Ramgoolam planted a sapling at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, symbolising their commitment to environmental sustainability.
Earlier in the day, Modi received a warm ceremonial welcome upon his arrival in Mauritius, marking his first visit to the island nation in nearly a decade. His last visit to Mauritius was in 2015.
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