Shrimati Indira Gandhi became Prime Minister of India for the first time in 1966 and she was re-elected successively four times to that position until 1977 and then, again in 1980.
In 1970, Shrimati Indira Gandhi was the first foreign Head of State to visit Mauritius which had achieved Independence two years earlier in 1968.
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam invited the distinguished Prime Minister of India as he wanted to pay tribute to the links that bound Mauritius to India: cultural, political and the presence of an Indian diaspora in Mauritius.
Shrimati Indira Gandhi stayed five days in Mauritius from 2nd to 6th June 1970. Among the various activities was the laying of “the Foundation Stone” of the Mahatma Gandhi Institute and a visit to the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden.
Shrimati Indira Gandhi planted the “Bois d’olive” tree (Elaeodendron oriental) in front of the Château Mon Plaisir.