Spread the news
New Delhi, June 27
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday begun a three-day state visit to Seychelles, where he will attend the island nation’s 50th National Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour and hold talks with President Patrick Herminie aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.
Before departing, Modi described Seychelles as a “valued maritime neighbour” and an important partner in India’s Vision MAHASAGAR, which focuses on security and development across the Indian Ocean region.
The visit comes as India and Seychelles mark 50 years of diplomatic relations. Modi said the partnership has been built on mutual trust, democratic values, respect for diversity and close people-to-people ties.
The prime minister is expected to hold bilateral discussions with President Patrick Herminie, following the Seychellois leader’s state visit to India in February this year. The two sides are expected to explore ways to deepen cooperation in maritime security, regional stability, trade and development.
A key moment of the visit will be Modi’s address to the National Assembly of Seychelles, making him the first Indian prime minister to speak in the country’s parliament. He said the invitation reflected the strong democratic traditions shared by the two nations.
Modi is also scheduled to meet members of the Indian community in Seychelles, whom he described as a “living bridge” that has helped strengthen relations between the two countries over generations.
India has steadily expanded its engagement with Seychelles in recent years through cooperation in maritime security, capacity building, infrastructure development and disaster response. The Indian Ocean island nation occupies a strategically important position along key global shipping routes.
Modi said he was confident the visit would further strengthen the long-standing partnership between the two countries, deepen maritime cooperation and contribute to peace, security and prosperity across the Indian Ocean region.
