Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the "Guest of Honour" at Mauritius' 57th National Day celebrations, Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam announced on Friday. On March 11–12, PM Modi is scheduled to travel to Port Louis.

Speaking to the Parliament, Navin Ramgoolam emphasised the honour of hosting a leader of this calibre, particularly in light of Modi's hectic itinerary and recent trips to Paris and the US.

I am pleased to notify the House that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has graciously accepted my invitation to serve as our National Day celebrations' Guest of Honour. Despite his extremely busy schedule and his recent trips to Paris and the US, it is truly a unique honour for our nation to have such a renowned figure honour us," Ramgoolam stated.

The National Day of Mauritius, celebrated annually on March 12, commemorates the country's independence from British colonial rule in 1968 and its transition to a republic in 1992. The date also holds historical significance as it marks the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's Dandi March in 1930, symbolizing the shared historical and cultural ties between the two nations.

This visit by Prime Minister Modi follows a series of high-level engagements between India and Mauritius. In November 2024, Prime Minister Modi congratulated Dr. Navin Ramgoolam on his electoral victory in Mauritius, expressing his eagerness to work closely to strengthen the unique partnership between the two countries.

The relationship between India and Mauritius is deeply rooted in shared history, culture, and mutual cooperation. Approximately 70% of Mauritius's population is of Indian origin, a testament to the longstanding people-to-people connections. Over the years, India has played a pivotal role in supporting Mauritius's development through various initiatives, including infrastructure projects, capacity building, and maritime security cooperation.

Prime Minister Modi's upcoming visit is expected to further bolster the multifaceted partnership between the two nations. Discussions are anticipated to cover a wide range of areas, including trade, investment, maritime security, and cultural exchanges. The presence of the Indian Prime Minister at the National Day celebrations not only signifies the deep-rooted historical connections but also reflects a shared vision for future collaboration and mutual growth.