New Delhi [India], March 13 (ANI): BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal on Wednesday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recognition with Mauritius's highest civilian award, calling it a proud moment for India.

'It is a matter of great pride for every Indian that Mauritius has given the highest honour of its nation to our country's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. It is certainly a sign that India's popularity is increasing around the world under the leadership of PM Modi...,' he said.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Mauritius's Highest National Award, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Mauritius's Highest National Award, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean.

Thousands of people gathered at the venue, braving the heavy rain to see their leader accept the award on the National Day.

'I express my heartfelt gratitude for being conferred the highest national award of Mauritius. This is not just my honour, it is the honour of 1.4 billion Indians. It is a tribute to the centuries-old cultural and historical bonds of kinship between India and Mauritius. It is an acknowledgement of our said commitment to regional peace, progress, security and sustainable development. And it is a symbol of the shared hopes and aspirations of the global south,' PM Modi said while receiving the award.

PM Modi also discussed raising the partnership between both nations to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership with Mauritius PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam.

PM Modi also offered prayers at the Ganga Talao in Mauritius and also mixed Ganga water brought from Prayagraj Mahakumbh. PM Modi, along with Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, jointly inaugurated the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation. (ANI)