New Delhi | Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the chief guest at the National Day of Mauritius on Wednesday, a rare repeat invitation for a leader which, officials said, underscores India's special relationship with the island country rooted in shared history, culture, and diaspora ties.
Modi first received the honour in Mauritius in 2015.
The officials cited several instances of Modi being the main guest at signature events of several countries to assert that the prime minister as a "global leader is shaping the rising influence of India" at international level.
An official source said, "The 2023 invitation (to PM Modi) to France's Bastille Day Parade was another defining moment, symbolising India's growing military and strategic partnership with France. The sight of Indian tri-services marching down the Champs-Elysees alongside French troops reinforced India's role in global geopolitics." In 2022, official sources noted, Modi visited Lumbini in Nepal for Buddha Jayanti celebrations, emphasising India's historical connection to Buddhism and its shared heritage with Nepal. His visit reinforced India's role in promoting cultural and spiritual ties across the region, they added.
In 2021, Bangladesh had invited him to its National Day celebrations, marking 50 years of its independence, an event closely tied to India's role in its liberation. His visit reaffirmed India's commitment to regional stability and shared prosperity, they added.
In 2017, his visit to Sri Lanka for the International Vesak Day highlighted India's leadership in "civilizational and cultural diplomacy". By reaffirming India's role as a custodian of Buddhist heritage, he strengthened spiritual and diplomatic ties with Buddhist-majority nations, they added.
