New Delhi: As Port Louis streets in Mauritius light up with posters and flags to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi, images have surfaced from his October 1998 visit when he was the BJP’s National General Secretary.
Recognized for steering the BJP to a sweeping victory in Gujarat that year, Mr. Modi traveled to “Mini India” to speak at the International Ramayana Conference in Moka. With a significant portion of its population tracing their roots to India, Mauritius shares a deep bond with the country.
“As PM Modi returns to Mauritius, it feels like a homecoming to Mini India,” noted the Modi Archive on X.
At the conference, he highlighted the deep historical, linguistic, and cultural ties between India and Mauritius. “As the BJP’s National General Secretary at the time, he spoke about Lord Ram’s universal values and how the Ramayana serves as a bridge, uniting India and Mauritius in an eternal civilizational bond,” stated the Modi Archive.
During his visit, he also engaged with the local community and met key leaders, including then-President Cassam Uteem, Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, and Opposition Leader Sir Anerood Jugnauth.
The Modi Archive post further noted, “PM Modi’s 1998 visit went beyond official meetings. He took the time to connect with the land, its history, and its people, visiting the sacred Ganga Talao, where he witnessed the enduring strength of Hindu traditions outside India.”
During his trip, Mr. Modi paid tribute to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, the Father of the Nation, at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden. He also explored Mauritius’ natural wonders, including the Seven Coloured Earths in Chamarel and the Chamarel Waterfall.
When PM Modi returned to Mauritius in 2015—nearly 17 years after his first visit—he once again stood at Ganga Talao, offering his respects to Maa Ganga. According to the Modi Archive, he also addressed the people of Mauritius on their National Day, saying,
“Brothers and sisters, to know whether a mango crop is good, one does not need to check every single fruit. Just tasting one or two is enough to understand the quality of the entire harvest. Similarly, if the world looks at Mauritius, they can see a glimpse of what India is like. What will the people of India be like? If the sample is so extraordinary, imagine the greatness of the entire nation!”
Now, as Prime Minister, he is set to embark on a two-day visit to Mauritius as the chief guest for the island nation’s 57th National Day celebrations. A contingent of the Indian Armed Forces, along with an Indian Navy warship and the Akash Ganga skydiving team of the Indian Air Force, will take part in the celebrations.
PM Modi will once again visit the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden to pay tribute to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam. He will also meet the newly appointed President of Mauritius, Dharambeer Gokhool, followed by bilateral talks with Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. Additionally, meetings with other political leaders are expected during the visit.
India and Mauritius are set to sign multiple agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. PM Modi will inaugurate over 20 India-funded projects, covering areas from capacity building to community infrastructure. He is also expected to announce new major infrastructure initiatives designed to bolster democracy in the Southeast African island nation.
