Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Mauritius on March 11-12, 2025, to attend the island nation’s 57th National Day celebrations as the esteemed ‘Guest of Honour.’ Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam made the announcement during a session of Parliament, expressing his delight at the visit of such a distinguished international leader. Ramgoolam emphasized the significance of the visit, noting Modi’s tight schedule due to his recent international engagements in Paris and the United States, underscoring the importance of the strong bilateral ties between India and Mauritius.
During his announcement, Ramgoolam extended his heartfelt appreciation to Prime Minister Modi for agreeing to attend the National Day festivities, which are set to commemorate the country’s independence from British colonial rule in 1968. This day also marks Mauritius’ transition to a republic within the Commonwealth in 1992. The event is one of the key national celebrations, and Modi’s presence will further strengthen the close diplomatic and cultural relations between the two nations.
Prime Minister Ramgoolam highlighted that Modi’s visit is a significant testament to the enduring and friendly relationship that Mauritius shares with India. He further described it as a moment of pride for the country, which has a deep and historical connection with India, rooted in shared history, culture, and demographics. Nearly 70 percent of Mauritius’ population of 1.2 million is of Indian origin, forming the foundation of the strong people-to-people ties between the nations.
The announcement also followed Prime Minister Modi’s congratulatory message to Ramgoolam after his historic electoral victory in November 2024. Modi had conveyed his warm wishes and expressed eagerness to work closely with the Mauritian leader to enhance the “unique partnership” between the two countries. Modi’s invitation to visit India had also been extended to Ramgoolam, reflecting the ongoing cordial relationship between the two leaders.
The National Day visit will further solidify the strategic partnership between India and Mauritius, with both countries sharing not only cultural and historical bonds but also a commitment to growing cooperation in areas such as trade, defense, and development. Mauritius’ National Day celebrations, on March 12, will be a remarkable occasion with the participation of a world leader, reinforcing the strong diplomatic ties that continue to flourish between India and Mauritius.
