“Wonderful opportunity to engage with valued friend,” says PM Modi on arrival in Mauritius

Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Mauritius on Tuesday to a grand and warm welcome by Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam at the airport.

PM Modi said that he will be meeting Mauritius President Dharam Gokhool, PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam and address a community programme in the evening.

In a post on X, he said, “Landed in Mauritius. I am grateful to my friend, PM Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, for the special gesture of welcoming me at the airport. This visit is a wonderful opportunity to engage with a valued friend and explore new avenues for collaboration in various sectors. Today, I will be meeting President Dharam Gokhool, PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam and addressing a community programme in the evening.”

Meanwhile, members of the Indian diaspora gathered at the hotel to welcome PM Modi.

A member of the Indian diaspora who drew a sketch of PM Modi said, “I am really fortunate that I could draw a sketch of PM Modi. It took me 4 hours for me to finish this. If PM Modi gives an autograph on the sketch, it will be a very proud moment for me.”

Sangvi, a young member of the Indian diaspora, shared her excitement with ANI, “I really want to meet PM Modi. I am very excited to see him.”

Anya, another member of the Indian diaspora, said,”I am very excited. This is the first time I am going to meet PM Modi. I am really proud to be an Indian.”

Dancers prepared for cultural performances to welcome PM Modi.

One of the performers, Swayamprabha, said, ” It took us around 10 days to prepare. The performance is a mixture of Kathak, Bharatnatyam and Kuchipudi. These dance styles are taught in schools, too, in Mauritius… We are very excited and proud to perform in front of PM Modi.”

PM Modi was welcomed by a total of 200 dignitaries at 6am (local time), which included MPs, MLAs, Diplomatic Corps and religious leaders.