In a unique diplomatic move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced the grant of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards to Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam and his wife Veena Ramgoolam.
The announcement was made at a community function which was attended by more than 3,500 people, including members of the Mauritius Cabinet, government ministers, and representatives of the National Assembly.
During the day, PM Modi himself handed over OCI cards to Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool and First Lady Vrinda Gokhool. This gesture of handing over the OCI cards on the inaugural day of his state visit serves to underscore India's intention of strengthening its connections with Mauritius and its diaspora.
India had already taken a major step in bolstering its historical ties with Mauritius' Indian-origin population. During President Droupadi Murmu's state visit in March 2024, India extended OCI eligibility to seventh-generation descendants of Mauritian nationals of Indian origin—a move that was intended to further bolster cultural and ancestral ties.
At present, there are 22,188 Indian citizens living in Mauritius, with an additional 13,198 OCI card holders, indicating the long-standing establishment of the Indian community in Mauritius.
OCI card holders enjoy the right of residence, work, and studies in India forever, as well as visa-free travel and a host of other benefits.
Mauritius has a long history of facilitating travel for Indians, launching a visa-free entry policy in 2004 where Indian tourists could visit for a maximum of one month. As a return favor, India offers free visas for Mauritian citizens to promote people-to-people contacts further.
PM Modi's current visit, which goes on until March 12, is likely to yield major updates, including the signing of at least eight Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) across maritime security, culture, and people-centric initiatives.
He will also open 23 India-sponsored projects and is likely to declare new initiatives intended to enhance collaboration between India and Mauritius.
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