Port Louis:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a special announcement on Tuesday during a community event in Mauritius, where he revealed that Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards will be issued to Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam and his spouse Veena Ramgoolam.
The event was attended by over 3,500 people, including members of the Mauritius Cabinet, government officials, and National Assembly members.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi also presented OCI cards to Mauritius’ President Dharambeer Gokhool and First Lady Vrinda Gokhool. This gesture took place on the first day of his state visit, emphasizing India’s commitment to its community and bilateral relations with Mauritius.
During President Droupadi Murmu’s state visit to Mauritius in March 2024, India expanded eligibility for OCI cards to Mauritian nationals of Indian lineage up to the seventh generation. This move aimed to strengthen ties with the Indian community.
Mauritius is home to 22,188 Indian nationals and 13,198 OCI cardholders, showcasing the significant presence of the Indian community in the country.
The OCI card provides holders with the right to reside, work, and study in India indefinitely, along with facilitating visa-free travel and other privileges.
Mauritius has always been welcoming to Indian visitors, implementing a visa-free regime for Indian tourists staying up to a month as far back as 2004. In return, Mauritian nationals receive gratis visas for travel to India, promoting people-to-people exchanges.
PM Modi’s visit, scheduled until March 12, is anticipated to involve significant announcements on the final day, including the signing of approximately eight Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in areas like maritime security, culture, and community development projects.
Additionally, he will inaugurate around 23 India-funded projects and is expected to announce new initiatives for the Southeast African Island nation.
(This article is based on a syndicated feed and has not been altered by NDTV staff, except for the headline.)
