New Delhi: The streets of Port Louis, Mauritius, are adorned with posters and flags in anticipation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit. Images have surfaced from his trip to the nation in October 1998, during which he served as the National General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Mr. Modi is recognized for steering the BJP to a significant victory in Gujarat that same year. He traveled to “Mini India” to participate in the International Ramayana Conference held in Moka. Mauritius is known for its ‘special connection’ to India, as a substantial portion of its population traces its roots back to the Indian subcontinent. The Modi Archive remarked, “As PM Modi returns to Mauritius, it feels akin to a homecoming to Mini India.”
During the conference, he emphasized the profound historical, linguistic, and cultural ties that bind the two nations. “While serving as BJP National General Secretary, he articulated the universal values of Lord Ram and highlighted how the Ramayana acts as a unifying force between India and Mauritius in a timeless civilizational bond,” the post noted.
In addition to connecting with the local populace, he engaged with prominent leaders, including then-President Cassam Uteem, Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, and Leader of the Opposition Sir Anerood Jugnauth.
The Modi Archive further elaborated, “PM Modi’s 1998 visit extended beyond formal engagements. He took the opportunity to immerse himself in the land’s history and its people, visiting the sacred Ganga Talao, where he observed the enduring Hindu traditions flourishing beyond India.”
Mr. Modi also paid tribute to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, the Father of the Nation, at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden. His exploration included the country’s natural marvels, such as the Seven Coloured Earths in Chamarel and the Chamarel Waterfall.
In 2015, during his visit to the island nation, PM Modi returned to Ganga Talao approximately 17 years later to pay his respects to Maa Ganga. As noted in the Modi Archive, he addressed the Mauritian populace on their national day, stating, “Brothers and sisters, to determine the quality of a mango crop, one need not inspect every single fruit. Tasting just one or two is sufficient to gauge the overall harvest. In a similar vein, when the world observes Mauritius, it catches a glimpse of India. What might the people of India be like? If this sample is so remarkable, one can only imagine the greatness of the entire nation!”
Currently, he is set to undertake a two-day visit to Mauritius as Prime Minister, where he will serve as the chief guest for the 57th National Day celebrations of the island nation. A contingent from the Indian armed forces will participate in the festivities, accompanied by a warship from the Indian Navy and the Akash Ganga skydiving team from the Indian Air Force.
During this visit, he will once again pay tribute at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to meet with the new President of Mauritius, Dharambeer Gokhool, followed by bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Ramgoolam. Additional meetings with other political leaders are anticipated throughout the visit.
Furthermore, it is expected that India and Mauritius will sign several agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral relations. PM Modi will inaugurate over 20 projects funded by India, which will encompass capacity building and community-linked infrastructure. Additionally, he will announce significant new infrastructure initiatives designed to bolster democracy in the Southeast African island nation.
