Victoria(Seychelles)/NewDelhi, 28 June (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the National Assembly of Seychelles, stating that the relationship between India and Seychelles extends far beyond the 50 years of diplomatic ties and dates back to August 1770, when five Indians first arrived in the island nation aboard the ship Thelemak. He said that while the world may view Seychelles as a group of small islands in the Indian Ocean, India regards it as a great ocean nation with a vital role in ensuring security, stability and prosperity across the Indian Ocean region.

Prime Minister Modi, who is on a three-day State Visit to Seychelles, became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the National Assembly of Seychelles. Describing the occasion as a special honour, he conveyed the greetings of 1.4 billion Indians while addressing Speaker Sylvanne Libeau, Leader of Government Business Bernard Georges, the Leader of the Opposition, Members of Parliament and the people of Seychelles. He recalled that Seychelles was the first country he visited in the Indian Ocean region after assuming office as Prime Minister in 2015, adding that his return after a decade had further strengthened his conviction that Seychelles occupies a central and special place in India's vision for the Indian Ocean.

The Prime Minister said he was delighted to be in Seychelles during the country's Golden Jubilee of Independence. He noted that the relationship between India and Seychelles goes far beyond diplomacy and is founded on shared history, mutual trust, maritime cooperation and deep people-to-people ties. He said the future of both countries is closely interconnected and reaffirmed their commitment to working together for a secure, stable and prosperous Indian Ocean region.

Referring to India's MAHASAGAR vision — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions — the Prime Minister said the initiative is based on the belief that the security and development of regional nations are interlinked. He added that India and Seychelles will continue working together to promote peace, stability and shared prosperity across the Indian Ocean.

Prime Minister Modi said that although Seychelles is often viewed on the map as a small island nation, the reality is much different. With a maritime area of nearly 1.4 million square kilometres, Seychelles should be regarded as a major ocean nation rather than merely a small island state. He observed that long before the Blue Economy became a global concept, Seychelles had already emerged as a leader in marine ecosystem conservation and innovative initiatives such as Blue Bonds.

He noted that bilateral cooperation in maritime security, capacity building, hydrography and maritime domain awareness has continued to deepen over the years. According to the Prime Minister, this partnership reflects the two countries' shared commitment to ensuring a secure and stable Indian Ocean. He said the security of one maritime nation is closely linked to the security of another, just as the prosperity of one strengthens the prosperity of the other.

The Prime Minister said this year holds special significance in the history of India-Seychelles relations. Fifty years ago, when Seychelles attained independence, the Indian Navy warship INS Nilgiri was present at Port Victoria as a symbol of friendship and solidarity. Today, as Seychelles celebrates the Golden Jubilee of its independence, Indian Naval ships INS Ikshak and INS Tarkash are once again present at Port Victoria. He remarked that while much has changed over the past five decades, the spirit of trust and cooperation between the two nations has remained constant.

Prime Minister Modi said India deeply values the professionalism and dedication of the Seychelles Defence Forces. He noted that for decades, the armed forces, coast guards and maritime agencies of both countries have trained together and worked closely to strengthen regional security.

The Prime Minister also praised Seychelles for its rich cultural diversity. He said the nation's greatest strength lies in its people, who have come from different parts of the world, bringing with them diverse languages, traditions, customs and beliefs that have together shaped a unique Seychellois identity. He added that the National Assembly's motto, Unity in Diversity, closely reflects India's own civilisational ethos.

He said this diversity is reflected in the rhythms of Creole music, the vibrancy of Moutya dance and the celebrations of Festival Kreol. The cultural bonds between India and Seychelles are also evident in everyday life, from the shared flavours of curry coco, samosas and chutneys to the celebration of festivals such as Diwali, Thai Pongal and Navratri Garba. He said this shared Creole spirit would continue to strengthen the friendship between the two nations in the years ahead.

Congratulating the newly constituted National Assembly, Prime Minister Modi extended his best wishes to the members of the Eighth National Assembly. He also offered special congratulations to the Speaker on becoming the first woman to preside over the House.

During the session, Opposition Leader Bernard Georges said that although Seychelles is celebrating the Golden Jubilee of its independence, political divisions remain within the country. He stated that the Opposition would not participate in the Golden Jubilee celebrations because of concerns regarding the direction of the country's democratic institutions.

Prime Minister Modi's visit is being regarded as historic on several fronts. On June 29, he will attend Seychelles' Golden Jubilee Independence celebrations as the Guest of Honour. An Indian Armed Forces marching contingent is participating in the celebrations, while Indian Navy warships INS Tarkash and the hydrographic survey vessel INS Ikshak are also taking part in the commemorative events.

During the visit, India announced an economic assistance package worth USD 175 million (approximately Rs 1,651 crore) for Seychelles' development and infrastructure projects. India also presented the Seychelles Coast Guard with the India-built Fast Patrol Vessel PS Lespwar, a significant step towards strengthening the island nation's maritime security and surveillance capabilities.

Prime Minister Modi also added another milestone to his diplomatic record by addressing the Parliament of Seychelles, making it the 20th foreign Parliament he has addressed. Previously, he has addressed the legislatures of Bhutan, Nepal, Australia, Fiji, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, the United Kingdom, Afghanistan, the United States, Uganda, the Maldives, Guyana, Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Namibia, Ethiopia and Israel. Earlier this year, in February, he became the first Indian Prime Minister to address Israel's Parliament, the Knesset.

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi was also conferred Seychelles' highest civilian honour, the Guardian of the Blue Horizon. With this recognition, he has now received the highest civilian honours of 34 countries. Accepting the award, he expressed gratitude to the people of Seychelles, the Government of Seychelles and President Patrick Herminie.

The Government of Seychelles conferred the honour on Prime Minister Modi in recognition of his contributions to environmental conservation, climate action and sustainable development. He has previously received several international environmental honours, including the Agricola Medal from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in May 2026 and the United Nations' highest environmental honour, the Champions of the Earth Award, in 2018. These recognitions are widely regarded as acknowledgment of India's environmental commitments and its leadership on global climate action.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar