Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today unveiled, during his Mauritius visit, a grand vision for security and growth for the Global South against the backdrop of China’s relentless efforts to expand its influence in the region.
Also today, the X handle of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced: “A moment of honour for India. President Dharambeer Gokhool of Mauritius, conferred the G.C.S.K (Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean) on PM @narendramodi today, for his stellar contribution to the India-Mauritius partnership.”
The MEA handle added: “@narendramodi is the first Indian to receive this, the G.C.S.K, Mauritius’s highest civilian award. PM dedicated the award to the 1.4 billion people of India & to India-Mauritius friendship.”
Modi had posted on X last evening that he “expressed gratitude to PM Ramgoolam for Mauritius’ decision to confer upon me the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean”.
PM Modi made the remarks about the Global South after witnessing the signing of several key agreements between India and Mauritius along with his Mauritian counterpart Navinchandra Ramgoolam in Port Louis, the capital city of the island nation.
Eight agreements were firmed up between the two sides providing for co-operation in an array of areas, including maritime security, trade in national currencies and capacity building.
In his media statement, Modi announced that India’s new vision for the Global South — he called it “MAHASAGAR” or “Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions” — would bring growth and security.
“Our vision for Global South will be MAHASAGAR – Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions,” he said on the second and final day of his visit to this island nation. “Our vision focuses on trade for development, capacity building for sustainable growth, and mutual security for a shared future.”
Modi described Mauritius as an important partner of India. He also recalled how India’s vision of “SAGAR” or “Security and Growth for All in the Region” was laid out in Mauritius 10 years ago.
