India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with Mauritius’ highest honour, The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (GCSK), marking a historic first for an Indian leader. Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam made the announcement during a grand event attended by the Indian community on Tuesday.
With this, PM Modi becomes the first Indian to receive this prestigious award, adding to a growing list of international recognitions. This also marks the 21st international honour bestowed upon him by various countries, further cementing his global diplomatic stature.
PM Ramgoolam highlighted the significance of this award, stating,
“‘The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean’ is very fitting for you, Prime Minister.”
He noted that since Mauritius became a Republic, only five foreign dignitaries have been granted this title, including Nelson Mandela, the revered “Gandhi of Africa,” who received it in 1998.
During the celebratory event, the national anthems of India and Mauritius were played in the presence of both leaders, symbolising the deep-rooted ties between the two nations.
PM Modi’s visit to Mauritius comes as he was invited as the Chief Guest for the Mauritius National Day celebrations, underlining the strong diplomatic, cultural, and historical bonds between the two countries. His participation reaffirms India’s unwavering support for Mauritius and its development.
As part of his engagements, PM Modi presented the President of Mauritius and the First Lady with OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cards, further strengthening the connection between the Mauritian Indian diaspora and their ancestral homeland.
He also gifted them holy Sangam water from the Mahakumbh in a Brass and Copper pot, superfood Makhana, and a Banarasi saree in a Sadeli box as a token of India’s rich heritage.
PM Modi also visited the Ayurveda Garden at the State House in Mauritius, a project developed in collaboration with the Government of India. He was accompanied by Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool, further emphasising India’s role in promoting traditional medicine and wellness in the island nation.
A special lunch was hosted in PM Modi’s honour by President Gokhool, where both leaders exchanged thoughts on furthering cooperation between the two nations. PM Modi expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality, reaffirming India’s deep-rooted friendship and commitment to Mauritius.
PM Modi’s visit and the conferral of Mauritius’ highest civilian honour underscore the growing strategic, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations. India has long been a partner in Mauritius’ development, with collaborations spanning infrastructure, trade, education, and healthcare.
PM Modi gifted holy Sangam water from Mahakumbh & the superfood 'Makhana' from Bihar to Mauritius President Dharam Gokhool.
— BALA (@erbmjha) March 11, 2025
Modiji is the best Ambassador of Indiapic.twitter.com/lRG8nNgbdZ
With this latest recognition, PM Modi continues to strengthen India’s global influence and diplomatic outreach, reflecting the enduring goodwill and respect for India’s leadership on the world stage.
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