NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the Indian diaspora in Mauritius and called it a “mini India”. He also spoke in Bhojpuri and Maithili, languages predominantly spoken in Bihar.
“Mauritius is like mini India,” he said at a community event in Port Louis. “For us, Mauritius is family!” he added.
Also read: Watch: PM Modi receives traditional Bihari welcome in Mauritius
Talking the relationship between the two nations, he said, “This bond is deep and strongly rooted in history, heritage and the human spirit.”
“Mauritius is not just a partner country. For us, Mauritius is family! This bond is deep and strong rooted in history, heritage and the human spirit. Mauritius is also a bridge connecting India to the wider Global South. A decade ago, in 2015, on my first as the PM, I announced India’s SAGAR vision. SAGAR means Security and growth for all in the region,” he said.
“In times of crisis, India has always stood with Mauritius. During Covid 19, India was the first country to deliver one lakh vaccines and essential medicines. When Mauritius faces crisis, India is the first respondent. When Mauritius prospers, India is the first to celebrate. After all, for us Mauritius is family, as I said earlier,” he added.
He announced that Overseas Citizen of India cards would be extended to the seventh generation of the Indian diaspora in the country.
“In Mauritius, a decision has been made to extend the OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card eligibility to the seventh generation of the Indian diaspora. I had the privilege of presenting the OCI card to the President of Mauritius and his spouse. Likewise, I am delighted to extend the same honor to the Prime Minister of Mauritius and his spouse,” he said.
He presented the president and first lady of Mauritius with OCI cards, along with holy Sangam water from Mahakumbh in a brass and copper pot, superfood Makhana, and a Banarasi saree in a Sadeli box for the first lady.
He expressed gratitude for becoming the first Indian to receive the highest civilian award of the country. “My greetings to the citizens of Mauritius for their National Day… The Mauritius PM just announced that they would confer me with their highest civilian award. I want to accept your decision with humility. This is the honour of the historic ties of India and Mauritius,” he said.
PM Modi is on a two-day visit to Mauritius from March 11 to 12 for the National Day celebrations as chief guest. He paid tribute to former PM Seewoosagur Ramgoolam and former President Anerood Jugnauth at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden in Pamplemousses.
