PM Modi Presents OCI Cards to President Gokhool and First Lady of Mauritius
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Synopsis
During his visit to Mauritius, PM Modi presented OCI cards to President Gokhool and the First Lady, fostering strong bilateral ties. He also visited significant landmarks and expressed gratitude for the warm welcome.
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi presented OCI cards to the Mauritius President and First Lady.
- Discussions focused on enhancing India-Mauritius bilateral relations.
- PM Modi visited the Ayurveda Garden and paid homage to historical leaders.
- He presented sacred Ganga water to President Gokhool.
- PM Modi's visit underscores India's commitment to its neighbors.
Port Louis, March 11 (NationPress) In a notable gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday presented OCI (Overseas Citizen Of India) cards to Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool and First Lady Vrinda Gokhool during the inaugural day of his visit to the island nation.
During his visit to the State House, Prime Minister Modi engaged with President Gokhool, discussing ways to enhance the special and close bilateral relations between India and Mauritius.
"In this context, they reflected on the shared historical ties and the robust people-to-people connections that exist between our nations. The Prime Minister expressed that it was a privilege for him to participate in the National Day celebrations of Mauritius as the Chief Guest for the second time," stated a release from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).
Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi visited the Ayurveda Garden located at the State House, which was established in collaboration with the Government of India. He remarked that Mauritius plays a pivotal role for India in promoting the advantages of traditional medicines, including Ayurveda.
After their discussions, President Gokhool hosted a State luncheon in honor of Prime Minister Modi.
In a significant gesture, PM Modi also presented the Mauritius President with sacred Ganga water from the Maha Kumbh, which concluded on February 26, where over 660 million pilgrims gathered at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, marking it as the largest human assembly globally.
Gokhool was elected as the new President of Mauritius in December, taking over from Prithvirajsing Roopun, whose term ended on December 2, 2024.
A former Minister of Education, Gokhool is a prominent statesman with a rich career in academia, public service, and politics.
Earlier in the day, upon arriving for his two-day State visit, PM Modi paid tribute to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, the first Prime Minister and founding father of Mauritius, at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden in Port Louis. He also paid respects to former President and Prime Minister of Mauritius, Sir Anerood Jugnauth.
"I paid tribute to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam and Sir Anerood Jugnauth, two remarkable leaders who have contributed immensely to the progress of Mauritius," PM Modi posted on X.
PM Modi laid a wreath at the memorial and planted a tree alongside Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam.
"I am grateful for the thoughtful gesture from my friend, Prime Minister Dr. Navin Ramgoolam, in participating in 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' — a tribute to nature, motherhood, and sustainability. His support symbolizes our shared commitment to a greener and better future," he remarked.
Before engaging in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Ramgoolam in the evening, PM Modi is set to interact with the Indian diaspora in Mauritius. Additionally, Prime Minister Ramgoolam will host a State banquet in honor of PM Modi on Tuesday evening.
On the second and concluding day of his visit, Prime Minister Modi will take part in the celebrations for the 57th National Day of Mauritius on Wednesday as the chief guest.
This marks PM Modi's first visit to Mauritius since 2015, when he articulated India's Vision SAGAR - Security and Growth for All in the Region - which, along with the 'Neighbourhood First', 'Act East', 'Think West', and 'Connect Central Asia' policies, continues to shape New Delhi's approach towards its neighborhood and beyond, while reinforcing historical and civilizational ties.
On the sidelines of various events, PM Modi will also meet with leaders of several political parties in Mauritius.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has characterized his two-day visit to Mauritius as a "wonderful opportunity" to connect with a valued ally and strengthen bilateral relations.
Taking to X, PM Modi tweeted after arriving in Port Louis early Tuesday morning, "Landed in Mauritius. I appreciate my friend, PM Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, for the warm welcome at the airport. This visit presents a wonderful opportunity to engage with a valued friend and explore new collaboration avenues in various sectors."
A gathering of 200 dignitaries, including MPs, MLAs, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and religious leaders, also welcomed the Prime Minister.
Enhancing the festive atmosphere, members of the Indian diaspora congregated outside the Oberoi Hotel in Port Louis, celebrating PM Modi's arrival with Dhols and garlands.
