The North News
New Delhi, March 12
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (G.C.S.K), Mauritius’ highest civilian honour, during the country’s 57th National Day celebrations. Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool conferred the award, marking the first time an Indian leader has received this distinction. Modi dedicated the honour to the deep-rooted ties between India and Mauritius, as well as to the people of both nations.
As the chief guest at the celebrations, Modi witnessed an Indian Navy marching contingent participating in the parade. An Indian Naval Ship also made a port call in conjunction with the event, reinforcing India’s strategic presence in the Indian Ocean.
During his visit, Modi and Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam jointly inaugurated the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation in Réduit. The institute, built with a $4.74 million grant from India under a 2017 agreement, aims to enhance governance and administrative capabilities in Mauritius. It will provide training for civil servants and serve as a centre for research and policy studies.
Modi also met alumni of India’s ITEC and scholarship programmes, emphasising India’s role in capacity building and fostering people-to-people connections. The institute is positioned as a key pillar of India’s broader engagement with the Global South and underscores New Delhi’s commitment to its partnership with Mauritius.
