Victoria, Seychelles : Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the National Assembly of Seychelles on Saturday, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to speak before the country’s Parliament. In his address, he described India and Seychelles as long-standing maritime partners whose relationship is rooted in shared history, mutual trust and a common vision for the future.
Expressing gratitude for the warm welcome, Modi thanked the people and leadership of Seychelles for conferring upon him the “Guardian of the Blue Horizon” honour. He said the recognition would inspire continued efforts towards environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Celebrating Five Decades of Diplomatic Relations
Congratulating Seychelles on the 50th anniversary of its independence, the Prime Minister said the occasion also marks five decades of diplomatic ties between the two nations. However, he noted that the relationship extends much further back, recalling the arrival of Indian settlers in Seychelles in the 18th century and describing the Indian Ocean as a bridge that has connected the two countries for generations.
Modi also congratulated the newly elected members of the Eighth National Assembly and welcomed the election of the country’s first woman Speaker.
Shared Heritage and Cultural Bonds
Highlighting the deep cultural connections between India and Seychelles, the Prime Minister said the two nations are united by shared traditions, festivals and cuisine. He pointed to celebrations such as Deepavali, Thai Pongal and Navratri, along with popular local dishes influenced by Indian culture, as symbols of the close people-to-people relationship.
Maritime Security and Regional Cooperation
Emphasising the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean, Modi said the security and prosperity of India and Seychelles are closely linked. He recalled that Indian naval ship INS Nilgiri was present in Port Victoria during Seychelles’ independence celebrations in 1976, while INS Tarkash and INS Ikshak are participating in the country’s Golden Jubilee celebrations this year.
He praised the cooperation between the defence forces, coast guards and maritime agencies of both countries in areas including maritime security, hydrography, capacity building and maritime domain awareness.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), describing it as a framework for strengthening regional peace, security and sustainable development across the Indian Ocean.
Focus on Blue Economy and Climate Action
Describing Seychelles as a “Large Ocean Country,” Modi praised its leadership in marine conservation and the Blue Economy. He said both countries can deepen cooperation in fisheries, marine science, renewable energy, sustainable tourism and coastal management.
Referring to his visit to plant a Coco de Mer sapling, he said protecting nature and preserving biodiversity are shared priorities for both nations.
The Prime Minister also stressed that climate action must be based on fairness and climate justice, particularly for island nations that are disproportionately affected by climate change despite contributing little to global emissions.
He highlighted India’s environmental initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance, Mission LiFE, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, the Global Biofuels Alliance and the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign.
Global South and Development Cooperation
Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to representing the interests of the Global South and supporting reforms in global institutions. He recalled India’s efforts during its G20 Presidency, particularly the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent G20 member, saying it reflected India’s commitment to a more inclusive global order.
Youth and Digital Collaboration
The Prime Minister said education and skill development remain important pillars of bilateral cooperation, noting that thousands of Seychellois students, professionals and officials have received training in India over the years.
He also welcomed Seychelles’ IGNITE internship initiative and offered India’s support in digital transformation by sharing its experience in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), which has improved governance, financial inclusion and public service delivery.
India Reaffirms Long-Term Partnership
Concluding his address, Modi said India would continue to stand with Seychelles as a trusted partner, supporting its development goals and celebrating its achievements. He expressed confidence that the next phase of India-Seychelles relations would be even stronger, built on the foundation of friendship, cooperation and shared aspirations.