Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced on Sunday that an Assam Rifles contingent and an Indian Navy marching band will take part in Seychelles' 50th Independence Day celebrations, underscoring the strong partnership between the two nations.
Participation in Golden Jubilee Events
Addressing a special press briefing in Victoria, Misri stated, "Later today, Prime Minister will attend the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the independence of Seychelles as the guest of honour. A contingent from the Assam Rifles in India and an Indian Navy marching band will also participate in these celebrations." He added that two Indian naval ships, INS Tarkash and INS Ikshak, will be docked at Port Victoria to mark the occasion.
Misri noted that such participation has been a tradition between India and Seychelles.
Gift of Fast Patrol Vessel and Other Equipment
During earlier engagements, Misri informed that at a special function on Saturday, Prime Minister Modi gifted a fast patrol vessel named LESPWAR—meaning "hope" in Creole—to the Seychelles Defence Forces. Additionally, 10 utility vehicles and five laser radial boats were handed over to enhance Seychelles' defence capabilities.
PM Modi's Address to National Assembly
Earlier, addressing an extraordinary session of the 8th National Assembly of Seychelles, PM Modi emphasized the "indivisibility" of regional security. "As maritime neighbours, we recognise that the security of one adds to the security of the other. The prosperity of one contributes to the prosperity of the other. The stability of the region benefits us all," he asserted.
He highlighted a historical parallel: "Fifty years ago, at the dawn of your independence, the Indian Naval Ship INS Nilgiri was present in Port Victoria as a mark of friendship and solidarity. Today, as you celebrate your Golden Jubilee, INS Ikshak and INS Tarkash are docked at Port Victoria," noting India's unchanged commitment over five decades.
PM Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Seychelles National Assembly. He highlighted shared values of democracy, rule of law, and people-centric governance, and called for enhanced parliamentary exchanges.
Talks with President Herminie and Agreements
PM Modi and Seychelles President Patrick Herminie held official talks at State House in Victoria, covering the full spectrum of bilateral relations. They agreed to strengthen cooperation in health, education, capacity building, digital transformation, sustainable development, social infrastructure, renewable energy, maritime security, and defence.
Both leaders discussed regional challenges such as illegal fishing, drug trafficking, and piracy. They expressed satisfaction with progress under India's Special Economic Package, and PM Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to Seychelles' development priorities.
Following the talks, a joint commemorative logo marking 50 years of diplomatic relations was released. Several MoUs and agreements were exchanged in capacity building, UPI, health, agriculture, shipping, space, extradition, and a Line of Credit of INR 1,250 crores. Announcements were made in food security, infrastructure, health, vocational training, maritime security, and defence.
Seychelles also announced its joining of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
Other Engagements and Recognition
Leader of Opposition Bernard Georges called on PM Modi, discussing bilateral ties and expressing strong support for further strengthening the special friendship.
PM Modi is on a three-day State Visit to Seychelles from June 27 to 29 at President Herminie's invitation. Seychelles conferred its highest environmental honour, the 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon', on PM Modi for his commitment to sustainable development.
He is scheduled to attend Seychelles' Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations as Guest of Honour, marking 50 years of independence from the United Kingdom in 1976.
