Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a three-day official visit to Seychelles to participate as the Chief Guest at the island nation’s Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations, commemorating 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
A major highlight of the visit will be Modi’s meeting with Jonathan, an approximately 194-year-old Aldabra giant tortoise recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living land animal. Jonathan’s remarkable lifespan has made him an international symbol of longevity and wildlife conservation.
During his visit to the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens, the Prime Minister will also take part in a tree plantation ceremony, reinforcing the shared commitment of India and Seychelles to biodiversity conservation, environmental protection and climate resilience.
Apart from the ceremonial engagements, Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Seychelles President Dr. Patrick Herminie, focusing on maritime security, the blue economy, defence cooperation, climate action and regional stability in the Indian Ocean.
The visit underscores Seychelles’ strategic importance in India’s Vision MAHASAGAR and is expected to further deepen cooperation across security, trade, people-to-people ties and sustainable development.
