Port Louis: Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam on Tuesday announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be conferred with the nation's highest honour, 'The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean', in recognition of his efforts in strengthening relations between the two nations.

PM Modi is the first Indian to receive the honour. It is the 21st international award bestowed upon PM Modi by a country. Ramgoolam said Modi is the fifth foreign national to receive this distinguished recognition.

During the event, Mauritius PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam said, "'The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean' is very fitting for you, Prime Minister."

"Since we became a Republic only five foreign dignitaries have got that title and among them is the Gandhi of Africa, Nelson Mandela who received it in 1998", the Mauritius PM noted.

At the Indian community event where the announcement was made, the national anthems of India and Mauritius were also played in the presence of PM Modi and PM Navin Ramgoolam.

Modi expressed gratitude to the people and government of Mauritius for bestowing the country’s highest civilian honour upon him. He stated, "I want to accept your decision with humility. This is the honour of the historic ties of India and Mauritius".

Meanwhile, Modi announced the issuance of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards to his Mauritian counterpart Navinchandra Ramgoolam and his spouse Veena Ramgoolam.

The announcement was made at a community event attended by more than 3,500 people, including members of the Mauritius Cabinet, government officials, and National Assembly members.

Earlier in the day, Modi presented OCI cards to Mauritius' President Dharambeer Gokhool and First Lady Vrinda Gokhool. The handover took place on the first day of his state visit, underscoring India's commitment to its diaspora and bilateral relations with Mauritius.

Modi who is on a visit to Mauritius, attended the Mauritius National Day celebrations as the Chief Guest, highlighting the strong diplomatic and cultural ties between India and Mauritius, an official press release by the Ministry of External Affairs stated.

(with inputs from agencies)