Modi gets Seychelles' 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' honour during visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Seychelles' 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' title and handed over a fast patrol vessel during his visit. The twin moves highlighted India's climate diplomacy and maritime security partnership with the island nation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Sunday conferred the honorary title of 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' by Seychelles President Patrick Herminie during his visit to the country. The honour is the 34th international award conferred on Modi by a foreign nation, and he dedicated it to countries fighting climate change.
During the visit, Modi also handed over a 'Made in India' fast patrol vessel to the Seychelles Coast Guard. He is in Seychelles on a three-day visit, during which he will hold talks with President Herminie and attend the golden jubilee celebrations of the country's National Day as the Guest of Honour.
After receiving the honour, Modi thanked Seychelles for the recognition. "Grateful to the people and Government of Seychelles as well as President Herminie for conferring upon me the 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon'," he posted on social media.
He said, "I humbly accept this honour and dedicate it to all those countries that are fighting the challenge of climate change and consider environmental protection their responsibility towards future generations. This is a pressing challenge which we have to overcome together." Modi added that India is ready to do whatever is required to make "our planet greener and sustainable".
He said this commitment was reflected in India's domestic policies, its emphasis on Mission LiFE, and global initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. Modi had arrived in the island nation on Saturday. At a ceremony at the Seychelles Coast Guard Base in Victoria, he handed over the patrol vessel, underlining New Delhi's commitment to strengthening the country's maritime security capabilities.
Earlier this month, Modi was conferred Slovakia's highest civilian honour, The Order of the White Double Cross (First Class), in Bratislava. With the latest recognition in Seychelles, his visit combined diplomatic engagements, climate-focused messaging and defence cooperation.
With PTI Inputs