- Award Received: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean—Mauritius’ highest civilian honor. This is the first time an Indian has received this prestigious award, highlighting the historical and diplomatic ties between India and Mauritius.
- Presenter: The award was presented by Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, acknowledging Modi’s efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.
Significance of the Award
- The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean is Mauritius’ highest accolade, symbolizing mutual respect and cooperation.
- It has been awarded to only five foreign dignitaries since Mauritius became a Republic, including Nelson Mandela.
Modi’s International Awards
- The Mauritius honor is Modi’s 21st international award, adding to an extensive list of accolades from various countries, such as:
- Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud (Saudi Arabia, 2016)
- State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan (Afghanistan, 2016)
- Order of Zayed (UAE, 2019)
- Order of the Nile (Egypt, 2023)
- Dominica Award of Honour (Dominica, 2024)
India-Mauritius Relations
- Historical ties date back to the 19th century with Indian indentured laborers settling in Mauritius.
- Today, India and Mauritius share robust economic and cultural relations, cooperating in sectors such as trade, education, health, and security.