PM MODI VISIT TO SEYCHELLES

At the invitation of His Excellency Dr. Patrick Herminie, President of the Republic of Seychelles, Prime Minister Modi paid a state visit to Seychelles from June 27 to 29, 2026, to participate as a distinguished guest in the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the country's National Day. He was welcomed by President Patrick Herminie in the capital, Victoria. PM Modi stated that Seychelles is a key maritime neighbor and a major partner in our vision for the ocean and our shared commitment to the Global South.

The first Indian Prime Minister to address the National Assembly of Seychelles.

Addressing the Seychelles parliament, he expressed concern over the impacts of climate change. He stated that the Global South and small island nations are the most affected by climate change. He proposed enhancing cooperation between India and Seychelles in areas such as fisheries, marine science, coastal management, renewable energy, and sustainable tourism. He emphasized that the worst impacts of climate change have been felt by the 'Global South,' particularly by small island nations.

"Its effects are already visible on our coastlines, marine ecosystems, weather patterns, and in our communities." The Prime Minister assured that India would continue to work closely with Seychelles to safeguard the interests of Small Island Developing States. He commended Seychelles for showing the world the way forward in environmental conservation through the 'blue economy' and 'blue bonds'.

19 key outcomes shared.

The Ministry of External Affairs shared 19 key outcomes of this visit. These achievements encompass a range of significant agreements and initiatives across defense cooperation, health, digital payments, space, agriculture, law, education, and development projects.

• A fast patrol vessel will be gifted to the Government of Seychelles.
• 10 utility vehicles and 5 sets of Laser Radial class boats will be handed over to the Seychelles Defence Force.
• Six ambulances will be handed over to the Seychelles government.
• 500 metric tons of rice will be made available to the Government of Seychelles.
• 8,500 metric tonnes of cement will be made available to Seychelles.
• A commemorative logo was launched to mark the completion of 50 years of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles.
• Laying of the foundation stone for the Professional and Technical Education Center
• The refit of the Seychelles Coast Guard's PS Zoroaster has been completed.
• The Dornier aircraft will be upgraded with glass cockpit technology.
• Seychelles decided to join the 'Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure' (CDRI).
• An agreement was signed between the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFAD) of Seychelles.
• An MoU was signed between the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), International Payments Limited, and the Central Bank of Seychelles.
• An agreement was signed between HLL Lifecare Limited and the Ministry of Health of Seychelles.
• An agreement on agricultural research and education, along with an action plan for 2026–2031, was concluded.
• An extradition treaty was signed between India and Seychelles.
• An agreement was reached on the recognition of the training and certification of seafarers for service on Seychelles-flagged vessels.
• An MoU was signed on the use and exploration of space for peaceful purposes.
• An agreement was reached for the preliminary preparations for Seychelles' new national hospital.
• An Umbrella Line of Credit agreement was signed between the Government of Seychelles and the Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank).

Seychelles' highest civilian honor, 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Seychelles' highest civilian honor, the 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon'. With this, Modi has now received the highest civilian honors from 34 countries. Upon receiving the award, PM Modi expressed his gratitude to the people and government of Seychelles, as well as to President Patrick Herminie.

The relationship with India is not merely strategic; it dates back 256 years.

The relationship between India and this small island nation in the Indian Ocean is not merely strategic; it also dates back 256 years. When the first permanent settlement was established here in 1770, five Indians were among the 27 people who arrived. Later, large numbers of Indians from Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat also arrived and settled here. Today, approximately one in every eight citizens of Seychelles' population of around 120,000 is of Indian origin. Against this backdrop, Modi's visit is expected to further strengthen the historical, cultural, and strategic ties between the two nations.

Cultural & Symbolic Visits

PM Modi visited the Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple (the only Hindu temple in the country) and stopped at the Seychelles National Botanical Garden to plant a tree and meet Jonathan, the world's oldest living land animal.

The Prime Minister told the MPs, "Seychelles holds a special place for India in the Indian Ocean. The Indian Ocean does not separate India and Seychelles; rather, it connects us." During his official visit, Modi met with the Leader of the Opposition in Seychelles, Bernard Georges. Both leaders reiterated their shared commitment to "advancing peace, prosperity, and sustainable development."