Kochi, Jan 8 (IANS): Mauritius President Rajkeswur Purryag Tuesday described India as a close friend of his country.

"Mauritius and India have very close ties for long, and we have bilateral cooperation in all spheres," he said at the 11th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD).

"I assure the country that we will support India in its attempt for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council," he said.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh inaugurated the three-day event.

Purryag said that People of Indian Origin felt proud when they saw India progressing.

He also thanked India for its support when Mauritius hosted the sixth regional PBD last year.

Purryag said PBD had started drawing international attention.

"I'm looking forward to the deliberations that will take place in the coming two days because the value the diaspora brings to India is huge," he said.

He said PBD had come a long way as the event helped consolidate the Indian diaspora.

"It is through the diaspora that India remains connected, and these non-resident Indians can act as a bridge between India and the country they reside in," the president said.

"Besides, the diaspora can also campaign for bringing in investments to India."