In an unprecedented gesture, India on Saturday accorded the status of ‘Special Guests’ to Mauritius Prime Minister P.K. Jugnauth and his wife Kobita at the Republic Day celebrations here, official sources said.
The Jugnauth couple witnessed the unfurling of the National Tricolour by Maharashtra Governor C.V. Rao, inspection of the ceremonial parade and other events that were held at the State function in Shivaji Park.
An official said usually India hosts a foreign head of state or government or royalty as Chief Guest at the Republic Day function in New Delhi.
However, this time, the Mauritius PM was in India for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2019 and later on an official trip to Mumbai where he had a series of programmes to attend.
“The Government of India suggested they should be invited as ‘Special Guests’ at the function here,” an official requesting anonymity told IANS.
Present with the visiting dignitaries and Mr. Rao were Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagade, Mumbai Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar, diplomatic corps stationed in Mumbai and other senior officers.
