Mauritius Bestows Highest Award on Prime Minister Modi

Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam has bestowed the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean award upon PM Narendra Modi, marking him as the first Indian recipient. This award highlights the strong diplomatic ties between India and Mauritius during PM Modi’s visit to celebrate Mauritius National Day, where he also presented gifts and engaged in cultural exchanges.

On March 11, the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, conferred the highest national award, The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean, upon Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This distinction marks PM Modi as the first Indian to receive this prestigious honor, constituting the twenty-first international award presented to him by various nations.

During the awards ceremony, Prime Minister Ramgoolam remarked that this title is appropriately fitting for PM Modi. He noted the significance of the award, stating that since Mauritius became a Republic, only five foreign dignitaries have been granted this title, including the renowned Nelson Mandela, who received it in 1998.

The announcement was made at an Indian community event attended by both leaders, where the national anthems of India and Mauritius were played. PM Modi was visiting Mauritius as the Chief Guest for the National Day celebrations, which underscored the robust diplomatic and cultural ties that exist between the two nations, as highlighted by an official press statement from the Ministry of External Affairs.

During his visit, Prime Minister Modi presented the President of Mauritius and the First Lady with OCI Cards. He also gifted them ceremonial items, including holy Sangam water from the Mahakumbh, superfood Makhana, and a Banarasi Saree encased in a Sadeli box for the First Lady.

Additionally, PM Modi visited an Ayurveda garden at the State House established in collaboration with the Government of India, accompanied by President Dharambeer Gokhool. At a special luncheon hosted by President Gokhool, PM Modi expressed his appreciation for the hospitality and reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening the enduring relationship with Mauritius.

In summary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been honored with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean, making him the first Indian recipient of this prestigious award. His visit to Mauritius highlights the strong diplomatic and cultural ties between the two countries, reinforced through various gestures of goodwill and the exchange of symbolic gifts. The visit emphasizes India’s ongoing commitment to fostering relationships with its partners in the region.

Original Source: www.aninews.in