Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Mauritius, marking a nostalgic return to the island nation where he had previously set foot in October 1998 as the BJP general secretary. This visit brought back memories of his earlier trip when he actively engaged with the Mauritian community and participated in key cultural events.
A Historic Connection: Modi's 1998 Visit to Mauritius
Mauritius, often called ‘mini India’ due to its large Indian-origin population, holds a special place in PM Modi’s heart. His deep-rooted connection to the nation dates back to 1998, when he first visited Mauritius to address the International Ramayana Conference in Moka. At this conference, Modi highlighted the universal values of Lord Ram and emphasized how the Ramayana serves as a vital cultural bridge between India and Mauritius. The Ramayana Centre in Mauritius, a prominent symbol of their shared heritage, reflects this strong bond.
Strengthening Cultural and Social Ties
Such is the depth of this relationship that on January 22, 2024, when the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya was held, the Mauritian Government granted two hours of special leave for Hindu public servants to participate in prayers. This gesture underscored the spiritual and cultural links that Mauritius maintains with India. With Hindus comprising nearly 48% of the Mauritian population, cultural connections continue to flourish, reinforcing the nation’s strong historical ties with India.
Modi’s Key Meetings with Mauritian Leaders
During his 1998 visit, Modi engaged with key Mauritian leaders, including then-President Cassam Uteem, Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, Leader of the Opposition Anerood Jugnauth, and Paul Raymond Brenger, who would later become the Prime Minister of Mauritius. Interestingly, Navin Ramgoolam, who served as Prime Minister from 1995 to 2000 and again from 2005 to 2014, greeted Modi at the airport during his latest visit. This interaction emphasized the continuity of strong diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Honoring Mahatma Gandhi’s Influence
In 1998, PM Modi also witnessed the enduring impact of Mahatma Gandhi's ideals in Mauritius. During this visit, Modi observed how Mauritius’ struggle for independence closely mirrored India’s own fight for freedom from British rule. In his 2015 speech at the World Hindi Secretariat Building in Mauritius, Modi fondly recalled his 1998 experience. He spoke about ‘Hindustani,’ a newspaper that played a crucial role in promoting unity and linguistic harmony in Mauritius. Inspired by Gandhi’s vision, this publication was printed in Gujarati, Hindi, and English to connect diverse communities in Mauritius.
Paying Tribute to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam
During his earlier visit, Modi paid tribute to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, regarded as the Father of the Nation in Mauritius. He visited the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden, honoring the leader who led Mauritius’s freedom movement. Mauritius gained independence from the United Kingdom on March 12, 1968 under Ramgoolam’s leadership. Recalling this visit in his 2015 speech, PM Modi expressed admiration for Mauritius's dedication to preserving Gandhi’s legacy. He highlighted how Mauritius’ Gandhi Jayanti celebrations are observed with immense devotion — sometimes surpassing India’s own commemorations.
Visiting the Sacred Ganga Talao
Another memorable aspect of Modi’s 1998 visit was his trip to Ganga Talao, a revered lake in Mauritius that holds deep spiritual significance for the island’s Hindu community. Known as the most sacred pilgrimage site for Mauritian Hindus, Ganga Talao reflects the cultural continuity between the two nations. During a Pravasi Bharatiya Divas speech in 2015, PM Modi reflected on the emotional connection tied to Ganga Talao. "If there is one place that unites all of Mauritius, it is Ganga Sagar. The pond was created by the residents of Mauritius, but they brought water from the Ganga and poured it into the pond. Though the quantity of water may be small, the emotions and devotion associated with it have given it a different dimension," Modi said. He paid another visit to Ganga Talao during his official trip to Mauritius as Prime Minister on March 12, 2015.
A Continuing Legacy of Friendship
PM Modi’s return to Mauritius highlights the enduring diplomatic, cultural, and social ties that India shares with the island nation. His visit reflects India's ongoing commitment to strengthening its relationship with Mauritius, promoting mutual growth, and reinforcing historical bonds. With Mauritius actively participating in cultural events like the Ram Temple consecration and embracing shared traditions, the connection between the two nations continues to thrive. As PM Modi revisits these cherished memories from 1998, his deep emotional attachment to Mauritius remains a testament to the longstanding India-Mauritius partnership — one rooted in shared values, cultural respect, and a common vision for the future.
