Port Louis, March 11 -- In a historic gesture, the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navinchandra Ramgoolam has announced the highest award, The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean, for Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday.

Notably, PM Modi becomes the first Indian to receive the honour.

This becomes the 21st international award bestowed upon PM Modi by a country.

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 Mauri...