Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Mauritius on Tuesday, hailed the strong presence of the Bihari diaspora in the island nation and expressed his deep admiration for Makhana, a traditional staple from Bihar. Speaking in Bhojpuri, PM Modi predicted that Makhana would soon be a globally recognized delicacy.
“Everyone is talking about Bihar’s Makhana. That day is not far away when Makhana will be part of the world menu,” said PM Modi, as the enthusiastic crowd in Port Louis responded with loud applause.
PM Modi’s Emotional Connect with Mauritius
Addressing the audience in Bhojpuri, PM Modi greeted them warmly and conveyed his happiness at being among the Indian-origin community in Mauritius. “Today, I am very happy to be present amongst you,” he said, reinforcing the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between India and Mauritius.
पूर्वांचल का सांसद होने के नाते मैं यह समझ सकता हूं कि बिहार और भोजपुरी बेल्ट के साथ मॉरीशस के कितने भावुक संबंध हैं। pic.twitter.com/RxKg2O27HR
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 11, 2025
PM Modi also highlighted the historical significance of Bihar, particularly in the field of education. “I understand your emotional connection with Bihar. When many parts of the world were far away from education, a global institute like Nalanda was in India, in Bihar. Our government has again revived Nalanda University and the Nalanda spirit,” he stated, emphasizing India’s role in global academia.
Mauritius: A ‘Mini India’
Calling Mauritius a “Mini India,” PM Modi acknowledged the country’s rich cultural diversity and its deep links with India. “Here, our ancestors from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and several other parts of India came and settled. Mini India survives in Mauritius. Several Hindi hit songs have been shot in popular tourist spots here. There is no corner left in Mauritius that has not appeared in Bollywood music,” he remarked, celebrating the shared cultural heritage.
In a symbolic gesture, PM Modi presented holy water from the Maha Kumbh for the people of Mauritius who could not attend the grand spiritual gathering in India. “I know that many of my family members in Mauritius could not attend this Maha Kumbh of unity despite their desire. I am aware of your feelings, so I have brought with me the holy water of the sacred confluence and the spirit of Maha Kumbh for you,” he said.
PM Modi expressed hope that the sacred waters would bring economic prosperity to Mauritius, further strengthening the bond between the two nations.
India-Mauritius Relations: A Historical Connection
Mauritius has a significant population of Indian origin, primarily from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, whose ancestors arrived during the 19th century. Over the years, India and Mauritius have maintained strong diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties, with Mauritius playing a key role as an important partner in India’s strategic vision for the Indian Ocean region.
As PM Modi’s visit underscores the continued commitment to strengthening this relationship, the global recognition of traditional Indian products like Makhana further reflects India’s growing soft power on the world stage.
