Mr Modi said the ship was a “symbol of our shared commitment to peace and security in Indian Ocean - our common maritime home”. He said that the Indian Ocean Region “is at the top of our policy priorities” and India seeks “a future for the Indian Ocean that lives up to the name of SAGAR - Security and Growth for All in the Region”. He also added “the time has come for a strong grouping around the Indian Ocean. We will pursue this with new vigour in the years ahead” -- remarks that could cause concern in China that has been gradually building its influence in the Indian Ocean Region over the years.

In a tacit reference to China, Mr Modi said, “We recognise that there are other nations around the world, with strong interests and stakes in the region. Our goal is to seek a climate of trust and transparency, respect for international maritime rules and norms by all countries, sensitivity to each other’s interests, peaceful resolution of maritime issues, and increase in maritime cooperation.” He visited the Aapravasi Ghat, an immigration depot through which the Indian indentured labourers entered Mauritius. He offered prayers at the Ganga Talao, a Hindu pilgrimage site in the country. Mr Modi also made a strong connect with the diaspora, by stressing on their India links.

Speaking at a civic reception at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute, Mr Modi praised the contribution of Indian indentured labourers for taking Mauritius to new heights of development and progress by dint of their hard work. In an address, amid loud cheering by the crowd and chants of “Modi, Modi”, the Prime Minister said that when the world praises the development of Mauritius, the “credit comes to our (India’s) account. The people who came here as indentured labourers, today they have taken the place to new heights through their labour and suffering, but the credit comes to our account, when people ask about the development in Mauritius, as all were from India,” Mr Modi said to loud clapping. Referring to climate change, Mr Modi said small islands were worried about climate change, of being drowned in rising oceans in the years to come. He said that the island countries like Mauritius can give a message to the world on climate change. On the evening of March 12, 2015, he attended the National Day celebrations. He also met opposition leader Mr Paul Berenger.