Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the National Assembly of Seychelles, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. The address marked a historic milestone in bilateral ties and also represented the 20th parliament that PM Modi has addressed during his tenure.
PM Modi's Address to Seychelles National Assembly
"It is a special honour to stand before you as the first Indian Prime Minister to address this National Assembly... I bring with me the warm greetings and best wishes of 1.4 billion people of India," PM Modi said. He recalled that his first visit to the Indian Ocean region as Prime Minister was to Seychelles in 2015, because Seychelles holds a special place in India's vision for the Indian Ocean. "As I return here after a decade, that conviction is stronger than ever. I'm delighted to join you as you celebrate 50 years of your independence," he added.
PM Modi emphasised that the Indian Ocean is not a barrier but a bridge connecting the two nations. "The Indian Ocean does not separate India and Seychelles, it connects us. That is why we meet not as strangers, but as old friends," he stated.
Historical Ties and Shared Heritage
The Prime Minister traced the friendship back to August 1770, when five Indians were among those who arrived on St. Anne Island. "That voyage sowed the path for many more to follow," he noted, adding that over centuries individual stories merged into a singular narrative of shared heritage, nurtured by families and sustained across generations.
He congratulated the newly elected members of the 8th National Assembly and lauded the election of the first woman Speaker of the House. The invitation to address the Assembly was termed a "rare privilege" by PM Modi.
Blue Economy and Environmental Leadership
Earlier on Sunday, President of Seychelles Patrick Herminie conferred upon PM Modi the distinction 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' for his green leadership and efforts towards advancing the interests of developing countries. The honour recognises his longstanding commitment to promoting the Blue Economy, climate action, sustainable management of ocean resources, and the developmental aspirations of Small Island Developing States. This is the first time this honour has been bestowed, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
PM Modi dedicated the honour to all countries committed to environmental conservation and fighting climate change, underlining that the recognition, coinciding with 50 years of diplomatic relations, would further enhance the special friendship.
PM Modi's Parliamentary Addresses: A Global Record
Since assuming office in 2014, PM Modi has addressed parliaments across the world. In 2014, he addressed the parliaments of Bhutan, Nepal, Australia, and Fiji. In 2015, he addressed the National Assembly of Mauritius, and the parliaments of Sri Lanka, Mongolia, the United Kingdom, and Afghanistan. In 2016, he addressed the US Congress, followed by a second address in 2023, making him the first Indian Prime Minister to address a Joint Session of the US Congress twice.
He also addressed the parliaments of Uganda (2018), Maldives (2019), and Guyana (2024). In 2025, he addressed the national parliaments of Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Namibia, and the Ethiopian Parliament. Earlier this year, on February 25, 2026, PM Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Knesset, the Parliament of Israel.
State Visit and Golden Jubilee Celebrations
Prime Minister Modi is on a three-day State Visit to Seychelles from June 27 to June 29 at the invitation of President Herminie. He is scheduled to attend Seychelles' Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour, marking 50 years of the country's independence from the United Kingdom in 1976.
