Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Seychelles during his three-day State Visit to the island nation, describing the Indian Ocean as a shared space for peace, security, sustainability and economic growth. Following delegation-level talks with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie, the two leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors and discussed key regional and global developments.
PM Modi emphasized that India’s vision is to transform the Indian Ocean into an “Ocean of Opportunity,” where maritime security and economic prosperity go hand in hand and international partnerships are built on mutual trust and respect rather than size or influence.
Shared Responsibility for the Indian Ocean
Highlighting the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean, the Prime Minister said both India and Seychelles share a common responsibility to ensure the region remains secure, sustainable and prosperous.
He reiterated that the two nations would continue working closely on defence and maritime security, stressing that the security interests of India and Seychelles are closely interconnected. Modi also announced India’s readiness to share its expertise in Digital Public Infrastructure with Seychelles, while exploring new opportunities for industrial collaboration and improving connectivity between the two countries.
High-Level Delegation Talks Strengthen Cooperation
The discussions at the State House brought together senior officials from both countries, reflecting the significance of the partnership.
The Indian delegation included External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
Representing Seychelles were Vice-President Sebastien Pillay, Principal Minister and Minister for Fisheries, Agriculture and the Blue Economy Wallace Cosgrow, Foreign Affairs Minister Barry Faure and Finance Minister Pierre Laporte, among other senior leaders.
Before the delegation-level discussions, Prime Minister Modi and President Herminie also held bilateral talks.
PM Modi Receives Seychelles’ Highest Presidential Distinction
In recognition of his contribution to strengthening India-Seychelles relations and promoting regional cooperation, Prime Minister Modi was conferred with Seychelles’ special presidential honour, the ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon.’
Accepting the award, Modi dedicated the honour to all countries working collectively to tackle the growing challenges posed by climate change, underlining the importance of global cooperation in protecting the environment.
Ceremonial Welcome Highlights Strong Diplomatic Ties
Prime Minister Modi received a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the State House after being formally welcomed by President Herminie. The leaders also participated in official ceremonial proceedings symbolizing the enduring friendship between the two nations.
Modi had arrived in Seychelles on Saturday, where he was personally received at the airport by President Herminie, Cabinet ministers and senior government officials. The welcoming ceremony included colourful cultural performances, featuring a traditional dance from Gujarat’s Kutch region, highlighting the cultural bonds between India and Seychelles.
Guest of Honour at Seychelles’ Golden Jubilee Celebrations
The Prime Minister’s visit, taking place from June 27 to June 29, coincides with Seychelles’ Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations marking 50 years of independence from the United Kingdom in 1976.
As the Guest of Honour, Modi is scheduled to participate in the country’s National Day celebrations on June 29, underscoring the close diplomatic relationship between the two nations.
During his visit, he also toured the Seychelles National Botanical Garden as part of his cultural and environmental engagements.
India Strengthens Seychelles’ Maritime Security Capabilities
A major highlight of the visit was India’s transfer of a ‘Made in India’ Fast Patrol Vessel, PS LESPWAR, to Seychelles. The vessel, manufactured by Goa Shipyard Limited, is expected to significantly enhance the island nation’s maritime surveillance and Exclusive Economic Zone patrol capabilities.
In addition to the patrol vessel, India handed over six ambulances, ten utility vehicles and five laser-guided boats, reinforcing its commitment to supporting Seychelles’ security and emergency response infrastructure.
The handover ceremony, held at the Seychelles Coast Guard Base in Victoria in the presence of President Herminie, reflected the growing strategic partnership between the two countries. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the initiative further strengthens cooperation in ensuring peace, security and stability across the Indian Ocean Region.
