Mauritius Confers Its Highest Honour on PM Narendra Modi

Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam bestowed the nation’s highest honor, The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean, on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his two-day state visit to the island nation. Modi, the first Indian to receive this prestigious award, marks his 21st international accolade from a foreign country, underscoring his global stature.

The announcement, made in Port Louis, highlighted the historic bond between India and Mauritius. “This is an honor for the deep relations between our nations. I thank every Mauritian citizen and the government for this recognition,” Modi said. Ramgoolam noted that Modi is only the fifth foreign dignitary to receive the award, joining an elite list.

Modi’s visit also featured a symbolic gesture: he presented Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards to Ramgoolam and his wife, Veena, at a community event, and earlier to President Dharambeer Gokhool and First Lady Vrinda Gokhool. This follows India’s 2024 decision—announced during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit—to extend OCI eligibility to Mauritians of Indian descent up to the seventh generation. With 22,188 Indian nationals and 13,198 OCI card holders in Mauritius, the move strengthens diaspora ties. OCI cards offer visa-free travel, work, and study rights in India indefinitely.

The visit, ending March 12, promises more milestones. Eight Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are slated for signing, covering maritime security, cultural exchange, and community development—areas reflecting shared priorities. Modi’s award and the OCI gestures signal a deepening partnership, blending cultural affinity with strategic cooperation, as Mauritius remains a key ally in India’s Indian Ocean outreach.