Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with the 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' award, a special presidential distinction by Seychelles, marking the first time the island nation has bestowed such an honour. The award was presented by Seychelles President Patrick Herminie during PM Modi's three-day State Visit to the East African country.
PM Modi Dedicates Award to Climate Change Battlers
Addressing a joint press statement with President Herminie, PM Modi expressed gratitude to the people and government of Seychelles. "It is a matter of immense pride and joy for me and for the 1.4 billion people of India, to be honoured with the title of 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon.' I humbly accept this honour and dedicate it to all those nations that are battling the challenge of climate change and view environmental conservation as a responsibility towards future generations. This is a pressing challenge which we have to overcome together," PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister dedicated the honour to the special friendship between India and Seychelles, highlighting the shared vision between the two nations.
Recognition for Environmental Leadership
The Presidential Distinction recognizes PM Modi's leadership and steadfast commitment to environmental conservation, sustainable development, climate resilience, blue economy, and advancing the aspirations of Small Island Developing States. Key initiatives cited include Mission LiFE, "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam," International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and International Big Cat Alliance.
PM Modi noted that his visit coincides with the 50th Independence Day of Seychelles and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles. "Over the course of these 50 years, we have transformed friendship into trust, trust into cooperation, and cooperation into public welfare," he affirmed.
Vision for Indian Ocean as 'Ocean of Opportunity'
PM Modi outlined a vision for the Indian Ocean, stating, "The message of my Seychelles visit is clear: India envisions an Indian Ocean where maritime security is ensured alongside economic prosperity; Where our partnership is not based on size, but on mutual respect and trust; And where we do not go country-to-country, but move forward together. Our vision is to make Indian Ocean into an Ocean of Opportunity."
He also announced that India will share its successful experience in Digital Public Infrastructure with Seychelles, and emphasized that "the defence and security of India and Seychelles are integral to each other."
Bilateral Talks and Agreements
Earlier, PM Modi and President Herminie held bilateral and delegation-level talks at the State House. They welcomed progress in implementation of outcomes from President Herminie's earlier State Visit to India, including projects under the USD 175 million Special Economic Package, according to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
The leaders reaffirmed the longstanding partnership and discussed cooperation in development partnership, health, infrastructure, economic cooperation, maritime security, and people-to-people ties. They witnessed the exchange of several MoUs and agreements to deepen collaboration in healthcare, agriculture, digital payments, maritime cooperation, development partnership, space cooperation, legal cooperation, and capacity building.
Both sides launched a commemorative logo marking 50 years of diplomatic relations and witnessed the virtual ground-breaking of the Professional and Technical Education Centre in Seychelles.
