Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a guard of honour in Mauritius on Tuesday, March 11, upon arrival. PM was greeted by the country's top dignitaries with a warm welcome despite the early hour arrival. Mauritius counterpart, Navin Ramgoolam, welcomed PM Modi with a garland. Ramgoolam was joined by the deputy PM, Chief Justice of Mauritius, Speaker of the National Assembly, Leader of the Opposition, Foreign Minister, Cabinet Secretary, Chairperson of Grand Port District Council and many others.
Around 200 dignitaries, including MPs, MLAs, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and religious leaders, gathered to greet the Indian leader as he began his two-day visit. PM Modi departed for Mauritius late Monday night on a two-day State visit. He will attend the National Day celebrations as the Chief Guest on March 12.
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The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the visit is towards strengthening "India-Mauritus enduring ties." "Strengthening India-Mauritus enduring ties! PM @narendramodi has embarked on a 2-day State visit to Port Louis, Mauritius. PM will participate as the Chief Guest at Mauritius' National Day Celebrations & also meet Mauritian leadership & dignitaries," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated in a post on X.
Earlier, PM Modi thanked Mauritius PM for his special gesture at the airport: " I have Landed in Mauritius. I am grateful to my friend, PM Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, for the special gesture of welcoming me at the airport. This visit is a wonderful opportunity to engage with a valued friend and explore new avenues for collaboration in various sectors," he added.
"Today, I will be meeting President Dharam Gokhool and PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam and addressing a community programme in the evening," PM Modi said about the events he will attend today.