PM Modi in Seychelles Highlights: PM Modi dedicates Blue Horizon award to nations battling climate change

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said he held a "lively discussion" with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie at the State House, focusing on ways to further strengthen the close partnership between the two countries. In a post on X, Modi noted that his visit coincides with Seychelles' 50th anniversary of independence and the 50th year of diplomatic ties between India and Seychelles. He said the discussions centred on deepening bilateral cooperation and adding "more lustre" to the longstanding relationship.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday shared details of his address to the National Assembly of Seychelles, thanking the people of the island nation for their warm welcome and hospitality. In a post on X, Modi said his speech focused on the long-term India-Seychelles partnership, built on shared values and mutual trust. He also said he spent nearly an hour interacting with members of the National Assembly following his address.

Addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the National Assembly, Seychelles' Leader of the Opposition Bernard Georges acknowledged the country's Golden Jubilee celebrations but expressed concern over the nation's political divisions. He noted that the opposition had decided to stay away from the official independence celebrations, saying the country remained "politically divided at its core" despite marking 50 years of independence.

Georges said there was growing concern that the current political direction could put Seychelles' democracy at risk. He expressed hope that Modi's visit and India's democratic journey would inspire the country's political leadership to embrace the principles of "unity in diversity" and strengthen democratic values.

Welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the National Assembly, Seychelles' Leader of the Opposition Bernard Georges described it as a rare privilege to host the leader of the world's largest democracy. He said Modi's address underscored the universal values of democracy and the enduring relevance of parliamentary governance. Georges also highlighted the deep historical and cultural ties between India and Seychelles, saying the two countries share far more than the Indian Ocean. He pointed to the Indian ancestry of several prominent Seychellois leaders, including a former president and the current vice president, as well as members of the National Assembly, calling them living examples of the longstanding bond and ethnic fusion between the two nations.

Addressing the National Assembly of Seychelles, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's MAHASAGAR vision—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions—saying it reflects the shared and interconnected future of countries in the Indian Ocean. He said India would continue working with Seychelles to promote peace, security and sustainable growth in the region.

"Your maritime domain extends across nearly 1.4 million square kilometres. This makes Seychelles not a small island state, but a large ocean country. Long before the blue economy became part of global discussions, Seychelles was already leading the way in protecting the marine ecosystem and advancing innovations such as blue bonds. Your country has helped shape important global conversations," he mentioned.

Addressing the National Assembly of Seychelles, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of maritime cooperation, saying the security, prosperity and stability of India and Seychelles are closely intertwined. Recalling the long-standing defence partnership between the two nations, Modi noted that INS Nilgiri was present at Port Victoria during Seychelles' independence 50 years ago as a symbol of friendship. He said INS Tarkash and INS Ikshak are now docked at Port Victoria to mark the island nation's Golden Jubilee, reflecting the enduring commitment between the two countries. "For decades, our defence forces, coast guards, and maritime agencies have trained and worked closely together,” he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India and Seychelles share a common vision of building a more inclusive and equitable world through sustainable development.

PM Narendra Modi praised the country's multicultural heritage, saying its greatest strength lies in its people and their shared Seychellois identity. Highlighting the Assembly's motto, "Unity in Diversity," Modi said the spirit was reflected in Creole music, the Moutya dance and Festival Kreol. He also pointed to cultural links between India and Seychelles, noting the popularity of dishes such as kari coco, samosas and chutney, as well as the celebration of festivals including Deepavali, Thai Pongal and Navratri. Modi said the shared cultural bonds reinforced confidence in the future of India-Seychelles friendship.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the Parliament of Seychelles, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. Calling it a "special honour", Modi conveyed the greetings of 1.4 billion Indians and recalled that Seychelles was the first Indian Ocean nation he visited after assuming office in 2015. He said the island nation continues to hold a special place in India's vision for the Indian Ocean and added that his conviction had only strengthened over the past decade. Modi also congratulated the people of Seychelles as the country marks the 50th anniversary of its independence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit, underscored the importance of cooperation in the Indian Ocean region, saying its security, sustainability and prosperity were a shared responsibility. "We believe the Indian Ocean is our shared home," he said after talks with Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan Herminie.

Seychelles President Dr Patrick Herminie on Sunday reaffirmed the island nation's commitment to strengthening maritime security cooperation with India, saying both countries had agreed to work together to combat piracy, drug trafficking, illegal fishing and cross-border crime in the Indian Ocean region.

Seychelles President Dr Patrick Herminie on Sunday said his bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi were "comprehensive and forward-looking", reaffirming the deep friendship and mutual trust between the two countries as they celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations.

Addressing a joint press conference, Herminie said India and Seychelles had recommitted to a partnership rooted in shared geography, history and a common vision for a stable, secure and prosperous Indian Ocean. He said the implementation of the Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages would guide cooperation across sectors, while thanking India for its steadfast support in translating the framework into tangible benefits for the people of both nations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Seychelles President Dr Patrick Herminie on Sunday oversaw the exchange of multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and bilateral agreements during a joint press conference in Victoria. The agreements span a wide range of sectors, including security and legal cooperation, agriculture, finance and trade, reflecting the two countries' commitment to further strengthening their strategic partnership and expanding bilateral collaboration.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said it was a matter of "immense pride and joy" for the people of India to receive Seychelles' highest honour, the 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon', and dedicated the award to countries combating climate change and protecting the environment for future generations.

Speaking alongside Seychelles President Dr Patrick Herminie, Modi said his visit coincides with two historic milestones — the Golden Jubilee of Seychelles' Independence and 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. He said India and Seychelles had transformed "friendship into trust, trust into cooperation, and cooperation into public welfare" over the past five decades, adding that the Indian Ocean has for centuries served as a bridge connecting the two countries through trade, culture and people-to-people ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Sunday conferred the 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon', Seychelles' highest distinction for leadership in environmental conservation and sustainable development, in recognition of his efforts to promote green growth and climate action.

The honour adds to a growing list of international recognitions for Modi's work on sustainability. In May 2026, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) awarded him the Agricola Medal for contributions to food security, agricultural transformation and sustainable farming. He was also honoured with the Seoul Peace Prize in 2018 for advancing sustainable economic growth and global cooperation, and the United Nations' Champions of the Earth Award the same year for his leadership on environmental protection.

(Inputs by Pranay Upadhyay)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Seychelles President Dr Patrick Herminie at the State House in Victoria on Sunday as part of his three-day official visit to the island nation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the State House in Victoria on Sunday as part of his official visit to Seychelles. Seychelles President Dr Patrick Herminie was present at the ceremony, which marked the start of the second day of Modi's three-day visit to the island nation.

The Congress on Saturday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of "masterly hypocrisy" over his visit to the Giant Tortoise Enclosure at the Seychelles National Botanical Garden, alleging that his government's Great Nicobar Island Project threatens ecologically sensitive habitats in India. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said while Modi paid tribute to the Aldabra Giant Tortoise during his Seychelles visit, the Centre was pushing ahead with a project that would destroy the habitat of species such as leatherback turtles, wipe out thousands of coral colonies and devastate the island's unique biodiversity. Ramesh said he had repeatedly raised concerns with the concerned Union ministers but alleged that the prime minister remained "hellbent on inflicting an ecological disaster" through the project.

An Indian Army marching contingent will participate in Seychelles' 50th National Day celebrations on Sunday, marking the Golden Jubilee of the island nation's Independence, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending the event as the Guest of Honour during his three-day official visit.

The 32-member contingent from the Assam Regiment, led by Captain Aryan H Deolekar, will march alongside an Indian Navy contingent and military band, reflecting the deep defence partnership between India and Seychelles. The participation underscores the two countries' longstanding strategic ties and India's commitment to promoting peace, stability and security in the Indian Ocean Region through close military cooperation.

(Input by Shivani Sharma)