New Delhi, 27 June (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin a three-day State Visit to Seychelles on Saturday, at the invitation of Seychelles President Patrick Herminie. During the visit, he will attend the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the National Day of Seychelles as the Guest of Honour and hold high-level discussions aimed at further strengthening the longstanding partnership between the two countries.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Prime Minister Modi's visit, which will continue until June 29, will reaffirm the deep-rooted friendship between India and Seychelles while expanding cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including maritime security, defence, trade, development partnership and people-to-people exchanges.

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with President Patrick Herminie to review the full spectrum of India-Seychelles relations and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. The discussions are expected to focus on enhancing strategic cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region and strengthening collaboration under India's Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).

Prime Minister Modi will also address the National Assembly of Seychelles and interact with members of the Indian diaspora. His engagements are expected to underline India's commitment to deepening ties with island nations and advancing cooperation with partners in the Global South.

As part of the National Day celebrations, a contingent of the Indian Armed Forces, along with two Indian Navy ships, will participate in the ceremonial events, highlighting the close defence and maritime partnership between the two countries.

India and Seychelles share a longstanding relationship founded on historical, cultural and people-to-people ties. Over the years, India has emerged as one of Seychelles' key development partners, extending support in areas such as infrastructure development, healthcare, education, capacity building, maritime security and disaster relief.

This will be Prime Minister Modi's first visit to Seychelles since 2015 and is expected to provide fresh momentum to bilateral relations while reinforcing India's strategic engagement in the Indian Ocean Region. The visit also reflects New Delhi's continued emphasis on strengthening partnerships with friendly maritime neighbours and advancing regional stability and sustainable development.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar