Yet Another Accolade for PM Modi: Mauritius Awards India’s PM with Its Highest Civilian Honour

NEW DELHI: On Tuesday, Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam of Mauritius declared that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would receive the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (GCSK), the nation's highest civilian honor.

With this distinction, PM Modi is the first Indian to be granted the highest honor in Mauritius. It also makes it the 21st time a foreign country has given him this honor, adding to his already impressive array of international honors.

PM Modi Receives Mauritius' Highest Honor

"The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean is very fitting for you, Prime Minister," stated Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam during the announcement. Only five foreign dignitaries, including Nelson Mandela, who was honored in 1998, have received the medal since Mauritius became a republic, he continued.

The declaration was made during an Indian community function where PM Modi and PM Ramgoolam were present and the national anthems of Mauritius and India were played.

PM Modi’s Visit to Mauritius

PM Modi thanked them, saying, "I respectfully and humbly accept this decision. It is a tribute to the longstanding relationship between Mauritius and India." He expressed gratitude to the Mauritius government and people for the esteemed honor.

Prime Minister Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Mauritius, was the primary guest at the country's National Day celebrations, highlighting the close cultural and diplomatic relations between the two countries.

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India-Mauritius Relations 

• OCI Cards Issued: During his visit, PM Modi gave OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) cards to Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool and his wife, the First Lady.
• New OCI Eligibility: In March 2024, India allowed Mauritian citizens with up to seven generations of Indian ancestry to apply for an OCI card. Currently, there are 13,198 OCI cardholders and 22,188 Indian nationals in Mauritius.
• Official Luncheon: The President of Mauritius hosted a special lunch in PM Modi’s honor. Modi thanked the host for the warm hospitality and emphasized India’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Mauritius.