Following a tête-à-tête between the Prime Minister and the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, at the InterContinental Resort in Balaclava, a host of guests, including senior political figures and members of the diplomatic corps, as well as businessmen, attended the banquet offered in honor of Shrimati Droupadi Murmu by the prime ministerial couple in Balaclava on Monday March 11. This was part of the President of India’s three-day state visit to Mauritius.
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth began by emphasizing the importance of the special relationship that has existed between Mauritius and the Great Peninsula for many years.
He seized the occasion pay tribute to our ancestors from Africa, Asia and Europe who have traced the path and laid the foundation of modern Mauritius. He stated that the Indian indentured labourers landed on the Mauritian shores with only their culture and traditions in their hearts and have played a significant role in turning our small resourceless island into a robust successful economy.
Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth took the opportunity to call for the active participation of India and other like-minded partners in the first ministerial conference on drug trafficking and substance abuse in the Indian Ocean. This conference is scheduled for April 25, 2024, and aims to strengthen regional cooperation against drug trafficking.
Mauritius is privileged to be among the first countries to join India’s ‘Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana’ Scheme under which Mauritius will benefit from quality medicine at affordable prices, he added.
Mr Jugnauth expressed his appreciation to India for its unflinching support to Mauritius in its relentless struggle for the decolonisation process of the Chagos Archipelago, adding that Mauritius looks forward to India as a valued partner to address vital issues of global concern.
Continuing, the Head of Government reported on numerous projects financially aided by the Shri Narendra Modi government.
The head of government went on to talk about future projects to be carried out in collaboration with India.
Smt Droupadi Murmu: The 7th generation of Mauritians of Indian origin will also be eligible for the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card”.
Speaking at the banquet, the President of the Republic of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, announced that the 7th generation of Mauritians of Indian origin will also be eligible for the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card.
According to the President of the Republic of India, his government has just approved a “special provision” in this regard, paving the way for many young Mauritians of Indian origin to obtain Overseas Citizenship of India and reconnect with the land of their ancestors.
Smt Droupadi Murmu also announced that the Indian government would support the Mauritian government in transforming the sacred Ganga Taloa complex into a religious, cultural and tourist hub. He added: “This decision reflects India’s deep respect for our shared cultural values. Our cooperation on this project will further strengthen the close ties between our two countries”.
Last Wednesday, Smt, Droupadi Murmu also visited the Aapravasi Ghat World Heritage Site, the Intercontinental Slavery Museum and the Grand Bassin Shrine.
“India will continue to work hand in hand with close partners like Mauritius and be a force for global peace and shared prosperity in keeping the foundational values of the world as one family,’’ she affirmed.
