Prime Minister Narendra Modi is preparing for a two-day visit to Mauritius, where he will be the chief guest at the island nation's 57th National Day celebrations.
His visit is expected to further strengthen bilateral ties, with both nations set to sign several agreements. The Indian diaspora in Mauritius is already preparing to give him a grand welcome, highlighting the deep-rooted cultural and historical connections between the two countries.
As anticipation builds for his visit, old photographs of PM Modi’s previous trip to Mauritius nearly three decades ago have resurfaced.
These images, shared by the Modi Archive on X, show him actively engaging with the local community, participating in cultural programmes, and fostering strong connections with key leaders.
The images serve as a reminder of the enduring ties between India and Mauritius, often referred to as ‘Mini India’ due to its large Indian-origin population.
The Modi Archive noted that PM Modi first visited Mauritius in 1998, when he attended the International Ramayana Conference in Moka. At the time, he was serving as the National General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
During his address, he spoke about the universal values of Lord Ram and how the Ramayana has played a crucial role in uniting India and Mauritius through a shared civilisational heritage.
During this visit, PM Modi also established personal connections with the people of Mauritius. He engaged with several prominent figures, including then-President Cassam Uteem, Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, and Leader of the Opposition Sir Anerood Jugnauth. He also met Paul Raymond Bérenger, who later became the Prime Minister of Mauritius. His discussions with these leaders provided him with a deeper understanding of Mauritius’ journey to independence, which in many ways mirrored India’s own struggle for freedom.
Beyond official meetings, PM Modi took time to explore the island and appreciate its cultural significance. He visited Ganga Talao, a sacred lake that holds immense religious importance for Hindus in Mauritius.
The site symbolises the deep spiritual connection between the two countries, with many Mauritians regarding it as an extension of the Ganga in India.
At the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas event in 2015, PM Modi recalled his emotional connection to Ganga Talao. He spoke about how the lake, created by the people of Mauritius, was infused with water from the Ganga, making it a sacred pilgrimage site.
He remarked that while the actual quantity of Ganga water may be small, the devotion and reverence associated with it have given the lake profound spiritual significance. Even today, the Shivratri Mela at Ganga Talao brings together people of Indian origin from across the island.
Seventeen years after his first visit, PM Modi returned to Mauritius in 2015 and once again visited Ganga Talao, paying his respects to Maa Ganga. His connection to the island nation was further cemented when he addressed the people of Mauritius on their National Day that year.
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