Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his Mauritius counterpart Navin Ramgoolam pays tribute at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, in Port Louis, Mauritius, on Tuesday (March 11. Photo: PTI/PMO
Mauritius PM announces country's highest award for Modi
This marks the 21st international award conferred upon Modi by a foreign nation
Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam on Tuesday (March 11) announced the country's highest award 'The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean' for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Modi is on a two-day visit to Mauritius. Modi is the first Indian to receive this prestigious award, which recognises his contributions to strengthening ties between India and Mauritius.
Also read: Modi in Mauritius: PM visits Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden
Humbly accept honour, says Modi
This marks the 21st international award conferred upon Modi by a foreign nation.
Ramgoolam said Modi is the fifth foreign national to receive this distinguished recognition.
Modi said he humbly accepts the decision to award him the highest civilian honour. "I am honoured that the people of Mauritius and the government have decided to award me the highest civilian honour. I humbly accept this decision. This is a tribute to the historic relationship between India and Mauritius and to the Indians who have served this land for generations," Modi said in Port Louis, Mauritius, while addressing the Indian diaspora.