In a heartfelt ceremony, Mauritius has bestowed its highest civilian honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (GCSK), upon India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. This accolade shines a light on the deep-rooted ties between the two nations.
During the 57th National Day celebrations in Port Louis, President Dharambeer Gokhool presented the award to Modi. Accepting the honour, Modi expressed his gratitude, saying, “I accept this award with humility and gratitude. I dedicate it to your ancestors who came from India centuries ago and all their generations.” He further emphasised that this recognition is not just his but belongs to the 1.4 billion Indians and their 1.3 million brothers and sisters in Mauritius.
Modi’s visit wasn’t just about accolades. He and Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam jointly inaugurated the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations.
The two leaders also witnessed the signing of eight agreements aimed at boosting cooperation in areas like trade, maritime security, and small and medium enterprises. These agreements underscore the commitment of both nations to work closely for mutual growth and prosperity.
Mauritius, often referred to as a bridge between India and the Global South, holds a special place in India’s heart. The island nation’s vibrant diversity and shared history with India were evident throughout Modi’s visit, reflecting the enduring bond between the two countries.
PM Narendra Modi shared the event video and said on his official X account: “Humbled to receive the Highest National Award of Mauritius. I dedicate it to the 140 crore people of India and the centuries-old friendship between our nations.”
