Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Seychelles President Patrick Herminie held official talks on Sunday during PM Modi's state visit to Seychelles. The discussions covered the full spectrum of bilateral relations, with both leaders agreeing to strengthen cooperation in health, education, capacity building, digital transformation, sustainable development, social infrastructure, renewable energy, maritime security, and defence.
Key Areas of Cooperation
The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including challenges in the Indian Ocean region such as illegal fishing, drug trafficking, and piracy. They expressed satisfaction with the progress of projects under the Special Economic Package announced by India. PM Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to supporting Seychelles' development priorities and deepening the enduring partnership.
50 Years of Diplomatic Relations
Following the talks, both leaders released a joint commemorative logo marking 50 years of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles. Several MoUs and agreements were exchanged in capacity building, UPI, health, agriculture, shipping, space, extradition, and a line of credit of INR 1250 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).
Address to National Assembly
PM Modi addressed an Extraordinary Sitting of the National Assembly of Seychelles, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. He highlighted historical bonds of friendship, shared values of democracy, rule of law, and people-centric governance. He noted that mutual trust has shaped a robust partnership in development cooperation, maritime security, technology, innovation, health, and capacity building, and called for enhanced parliamentary exchanges.
In a post on X, PM Modi expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality of the Seychellois people, and mentioned his interaction with Assembly members.
Meeting with Opposition Leader
Leader of Opposition Bernard Georges called on PM Modi, discussing bilateral ties and expressing strong support for the special friendship. PM Modi noted on X that the meeting covered various subjects of the India-Seychelles partnership, and he expressed gratitude for Georges' warm remarks at the National Assembly. He added that the relations have broad support across all sections of Seychelles society.
Guardian of the Blue Horizon
In recognition of his championing of climate action globally, PM Modi was conferred the 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' distinction. Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on X that this underscores PM Modi's leadership in environmental conservation, climate change action, and sustainable development.
Meeting with Mauritius PM
PM Modi also met Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam to discuss ongoing cooperation and review progress of the Special Economic Package extended by India. The MEA statement said PM Modi underscored the importance India attaches to Mauritius's development, noting that ongoing bilateral projects will contribute to healthcare, connectivity, sustainable development, and blue economy.
PM Modi is on a three-day state visit to Seychelles from June 27 to June 29 at the invitation of President Herminie.
