PM Modi Makes Historic Address to Seychelles Parliament
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the parliament of Seychelles, underscoring the importance of stability and security in the Indian Ocean region. Speaking before the 8th National Assembly, he highlighted how the Indian Ocean acts as a bridge bringing the two maritime partners closer.
Modi emphasized the indivisibility of regional security, stating, "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."
Historical Naval Presence Reinforces Commitment
Modi drew a powerful historical parallel regarding India's steadfast support for Seychelles' sovereignty. He noted that 50 years ago, at the dawn of Seychelles' independence, the Indian Naval Ship INS Nilgiri was present in Port Victoria as a mark of friendship and solidarity. Today, as Seychelles celebrates its Golden Jubilee, INS Ikshak and INS Tarkash are docked at Port Victoria, demonstrating that India's commitment remains unchanged over five decades.
Seychelles gained independence from Great Britain on June 29, 1976, ending over 160 years of British administration. The islands were claimed by France in 1756 and named Sechelles, later surrendered to the British in 1810 and officially ceded in the 1814 Treaty of Paris. In 1903, Seychelles became a separate British Crown Colony.
Deep Cultural Overlaps Celebrated
Prime Minister Modi lauded the unique identity of the island nation and the deep cultural overlaps with India. He remarked, "The greatest strength of Seychelles is its people. Over generations, people from all parts of the world arrived here. They brought with them different languages, customs, beliefs, and traditions, and together they built a shared identity that is proudly Seychellois."
Modi highlighted the Creole spirit visible in everyday life, from the flavours of kharik, samosa, and chutney to celebrations of Deepavali, Thai Pongal, and the Garba dance during Navratri. He stated, "This is the Creole spirit that gives us great confidence in the future of our friendship."
Maritime Security Cooperation
Modi expressed deep appreciation for the Seychelles Defence Forces and Coast Guard, praising their professionalism in safeguarding their maritime domain and the wider Indian Ocean Region. He reiterated that India's cooperation in maritime security, capacity building, and hydrography is not merely a policy but a reflection of a shared commitment to a "safer and more secure Indian Ocean Region."
Noting that Seychelles' maritime territory spans over 1.4 million square kilometres of the western Indian Ocean, Modi stated that this makes Seychelles "not a small island State but a large ocean country."
Vision for the Indian Ocean
Modi recalled that the first Indian Ocean region country he visited as Prime Minister was Seychelles in 2015, because Seychelles occupied a special place in India's vision for the Indian Ocean. Returning after a decade, he said that conviction is stronger than ever. He underlined that "the Indian Ocean does not separate, but connects India and Seychelles."
Prime Minister Modi is on a three-day State Visit to Seychelles from June 27 to June 29 at the invitation of President Patrick Herminie. He is also 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.
