As he reached the hotel in Mauritius, he was accorded a warm welcome by Indian community. The members at the hotel welcomed him with 'Bharat Mata ki Jai', as they waved the Indian tricolour flag

Over the next two days, the PM will take part in various programmes. He will hold talks with the Mauritian leadership, address a community programme and participate as the Chief Guest at Mauritius' 57th National Day Celebrations

During the visit at the invitation of Ramgoolam, the two countries will sign several pacts providing for cooperation in the areas of capacity building, trade and tackling cross-border financial crimes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi enjoys the Geet Gawai, a traditional musical ensemble from Bihar that embodies the rich cultural heritage brought to Mauritius by women from the Bhojpuri belt of India

Modi will call on the president of Mauritius, meet the prime minister, and hold meetings with senior dignitaries and leaders of political parties in the island nation

He will also interact with the members of the Indian community, and inaugurate the civil service college and the area health centre, both built with India's grant assistance

A contingent of Indian armed forces will participate in the celebrations on Wednesday along with a warship of the Indian Navy and the Akash Ganga skydiving team of the Indian Air Force

Before leaving for Mauritius, Modi on Monday said that his visit would open a "new and bright" chapter in the ties between the two nations

India is amongst the largest trading partners of Mauritius, a former British and French colony that gained independence in 1968. A key reason for the special ties is the fact that Indian-origin people comprise nearly 70 per cent of the island nation's population of 12 lakh