President Droupadi Murmu has stated that, as a show of goodwill, India has granted a unique provision that will allow Mauritians of Indian descent who are of the seventh generation to become eligible for the Overseas Citizen of India card, reestablishing their connection to their ancestral homeland.
During the State Banquet on Monday, which was hosted by Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, President Murmu made an announcement stating that the Indian government would assist the Mauritian government in transforming the holy Ganga Talao complex into a hub for tourism, culture, and religion.
On a state visit, Murmu stated that this decision illustrates the tremendous respect that India has for our common cultural values.
In the Savanne district, deep in the heart of Mauritius, sits the crater lake known as Ganga Talao. It is surrounded by isolated mountains. It is about 1,800 feet (550 metres) above sea level. It is regarded as Mauritius' most revered Hindu site.
"I am confident that our cooperation in this project will further deepen the strong people-to-people connection between our two countries," she stated.
It gives me great pleasure to notify everyone that my administration has recently authorised a special provision that will allow Mauritius citizens of Indian descent who are in their seventh generation to apply for the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card. This will allow a large number of younger Mauritians who are of Indian descent to reunite with their ancestral homeland and become Indian citizens living abroad," she stated.
"Our two prime ministers inaugurated six community projects in Agalega, a new airstrip and jetty, and the UPI and RuPay Card settlement systems in India and Mauritius in the previous few weeks. It was also revealed that a new programme would provide Mauritius with high-quality, reasonably priced generic Indian medications. We have a lot of new projects planned in the next few days, such as launching a jointly developed satellite for Mauritius and delivering 200 eco-friendly electric buses. Furthermore, bilateral trade in our native currencies will be made possible by the Rupee Vostro Account Facility, the speaker added.
She stated that the two administrations' prioritisation of one another and "investment" in their relationship have enabled the remarkable rate of advancement in bilateral ties.
"I extend my special appreciation to Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth ji for his steadfast leadership and the commitment shown by his government to deepening this special partnership," she stated.
"India will keep working closely with our close allies like Mauritius as we move forward on our Amrit Kaal path to becoming a developed nation and a major world force. In accordance with its core ideals of Sarvajana Sukhina Bhavantu and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, India will persistently be a force for worldwide peace and shared prosperity, the speaker declared.
Murmu expressed her genuine happiness at being invited as the chief guest for Tuesday's 56th National Day celebrations in Mauritius.
"I am visiting Mauritius as one of the few states on a state visit since becoming president. I'd heard amazing things about this stunning nation in the middle of the Indian Ocean, but after spending just a few hours here, I can now personally understand why your nation is known as "Paradise Island." Mauritius is a true shining example of democracy, progress, variety, and dynamism in the modern world," the speaker stated.
Murmu expressed her tremendous inspiration from Mauritius, which she saw as the incredible triumph of the human spirit.
"I honour your courageous Indian forefathers, particularly the 'girmitiya' indentured workers who laboured hard, gave selflessly, and persevered through the hardest hardships to build our nation. I honour your visionary leaders for steering the course of the Mauritius economy to become a "Mauritian miracle" that serves as an inspiration to Africa and the rest of the globe," the speaker remarked.
As part of the Indian indenture system, Girmitiyas, also called Jahajis, were transported from British India to labour on plantations in Fiji, South Africa, Eastern Africa (which includes Mauritius, Seychelles, Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda), Malaysia, Singapore, and the Caribbean.
In just 56 years of independence, Mauritius has become a world-class democracy, an international financial centre of distinction, a thriving tourism destination, a beacon of pluralism, a prosperous economy, and, above all, one of the safest and most peaceful nations on earth, according to the president.
"In India, we are extremely proud of all that you have accomplished. Since we have embarked on this nation-building adventure together in many ways, we are pleased to see our Mauritian brothers and sisters succeed. More than three centuries ago, when the first Native Americans arrived here, our destinies were first entwined. We continued to encourage one another throughout our fight for independence. Thus, our "dil ka rishta" (bond of the heart) replaced our "khoon ka rishta" (blood tie)," she remarked.
"It is no surprise, therefore, that the founding fathers of independent Mauritius chose March 12 to mark the most important day for their nation—the Independence Day of Mauritius—as a tribute to the Father of our Nation, Mahatma Gandhi," she stated.
Even in prosperous and difficult times, our two countries still exist together as independent states. Whether it's protecting the Indian Ocean's shared waters or exchanging COVID vaccines during a pandemic, strengthening our capacities across industries, tying our people and economies together, or standing by each other on international forums, our relationship has only gotten stronger over the years, according to Murmu.
She stated that numerous development initiatives supported by India, such as the 8 MW solar power plant, the new ENT Hospital, the Supreme Court building, and the Metro project, are tangible examples of India's dedication to promoting the welfare of all Mauritanians.
"On the historic date of March 12th, when I attend your National Day as the Chief Guest and as the Mauritian Flag is raised at Champs de Mars with the Indian Tricolour fluttering alongside, I will pray that our special ties continue to flourish in the times to come," she continued.
