PM Modi Reaffirms India’s Commitment to Seychelles, Calls for Stronger Maritime and Development Partnership
Victoria (Seychelles), June 28 (TNT): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with Seychelles, describing the island nation as a trusted maritime neighbour and an integral partner in India’s vision for the Indian Ocean region.
Addressing the National Assembly of Seychelles , the first Indian Prime Minister to do so, odi said the relationship between the two countries was rooted in centuries-old people-to-people ties and had evolved into a comprehensive partnership spanning security, development, climate action and the blue economy.
The Prime Minister, who is on a visit to Seychelles during the country’s Golden Jubilee celebrations marking 50 years of Independence, thanked the government for conferring upon him the country’s highest civilian honour, the “Guardian of the Blue Horizon.”
Congratulating Seychelles on its 50th Independence anniversary, Modi said the Indian Ocean connected, rather than separated, the two countries, adding that India and Seychelles met “not as strangers but as old friends.”
Highlighting the close defence and maritime partnership, Modi said the two countries had worked together for decades in maritime security, hydrography, capacity building and maritime domain awareness.
He said India would continue to work with Seychelles under its “MAHASAGAR” vision—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions—to ensure a safe, secure and prosperous Indian Ocean.
Describing Seychelles as a “Large Ocean Country” rather than a small island state, Modi praised its leadership in promoting the Blue Economy and marine conservation.
He proposed deeper cooperation in fisheries, marine science, coastal management, renewable energy and sustainable tourism.
The Prime Minister also stressed the need for collective action on climate change, saying Small Island Developing States were among the worst affected despite contributing the least to global emissions.
He reiterated India’s commitment to climate justice and highlighted initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Global Biofuels Alliance and Mission LiFE.
Calling for reforms in global governance, Modi said India and Seychelles shared a common vision of a more inclusive international order that reflected contemporary realities.
He recalled India’s efforts during its G20 Presidency to amplify the voice of the Global South and facilitate the African Union’s inclusion as a permanent G20 member.
Emphasising cooperation in education, skill development and digital innovation, Modi said generations of Seychellois students, professionals and officials had studied and trained in India, further strengthening bilateral ties.
He expressed India’s willingness to share its experience in Digital Public Infrastructure to support Seychelles’ digital transformation.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister said India would remain a trusted partner of Seychelles, supporting its aspirations and development journey.
“The last fifty years have been remarkable, but the best chapters of the Seychelles story are yet to be written, and the best of our friendship is yet to come,” he said.
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