PM Modi in Mauritius meets Indian community, honoured with traditional Bihari Geet Gawai - see pics

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Mauritius to a warm reception from Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam at the airport. Over 200 dignitaries, including MPs, MLAs, and religious leaders, gathered to welcome him. Modi expressed gratitude on X, calling the visit an opportunity to strengthen India-Mauritius ties across various sectors.

PM Modi was invited as the chief guest for Mauritius’ National Day celebrations. He will participate in multiple events and hold discussions with top leaders, including the President and Prime Minister. The visit is expected to enhance bilateral relations, with a focus on trade, capacity building, and cross-border security cooperation.

Members of the Indian diaspora gathered at PM Modi’s hotel to greet him, showcasing their admiration through art and performances. One admirer spent four hours sketching Modi, hoping for an autograph. Young diaspora members expressed excitement about meeting him, highlighting the strong cultural and emotional connection between India and Mauritius.

During the visit, PM Modi will inaugurate over 20 India-backed projects, including the Civil Services College and an Area Health Centre. India has been a key development partner, investing in infrastructure and community projects in Mauritius, with a focus on strengthening governance, healthcare, and education.

India and Mauritius will sign multiple agreements, including a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a new line of credit for replacing water pipelines. India has already provided substantial financial assistance, including a USD 500 million credit line in 2017 for various development projects.

India has been a key contributor to Mauritius' infrastructure development, funding projects such as the Metro Express, Supreme Court, and Social Housing projects. Of the 96 community projects supported by India, 51 have already been completed, showcasing the strong and sustained cooperation between the two nations.

PM Modi was honored with a traditional Bihari cultural performance, Geet Gawai. This Bhojpuri musical tradition, recognized by UNESCO in 2016, combines songs, prayers, and dance, and is deeply connected to the Indian diaspora in Mauritius.

"Deeply touched by the warm welcome from the Indian community in Mauritius. Their strong connection to Indian heritage, culture and values is truly inspiring. This bond of history and heart continues to thrive across generations," PM Modi said in a post on X.