Victoria (Seychelles): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with Seychelles and outlined New Delhi’s vision of transforming the Indian Ocean into an “Ocean of Opportunity.” Speaking after delegation-level talks with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie, Modi emphasized that maritime security, sustainable development, and mutual respect should remain the foundation of regional cooperation.
Addressing the media following the discussions, the Prime Minister said India believes the Indian Ocean is a shared space whose security, sustainability, and prosperity are the collective responsibility of all nations in the region. He stressed that India’s approach is based on partnership rather than size, adding that economic progress and maritime security must go hand in hand.
“Our vision is to make the Indian Ocean an Ocean of Opportunity,” Modi said, while highlighting the importance of deepening cooperation between India and Seychelles across multiple sectors. He also reiterated India’s willingness to share its successful Digital Public Infrastructure model with Seychelles, noting that digital innovation can contribute significantly to governance, financial inclusion, and public service delivery.
The Prime Minister underscored the close strategic relationship between the two countries, stating that the defence and security interests of India and Seychelles are closely interconnected. He said both sides would continue exploring new opportunities for industrial collaboration and work towards enhancing connectivity to strengthen bilateral economic ties.
The delegation-level talks at the State House reviewed the full spectrum of India-Seychelles relations, including cooperation in defence, maritime security, trade, development, and regional affairs. The discussions also covered key international and regional issues of mutual interest.
The Indian delegation included External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. The Seychelles delegation comprised Vice-President Sebastien Pillay, Principal Minister and Minister for Fisheries, Agriculture and the Blue Economy Wallace Cosgrow, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Barry Faure, and Minister for Finance, Economic Planning, Trade and Investment Pierre Laporte, among other senior officials.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi and President Herminie also held bilateral-level talks before the wider delegation meeting.
In a significant recognition of his contributions to environmental conservation and sustainable development, Modi was conferred with Seychelles’ special presidential distinction, ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’, regarded as the country’s highest honour in this field. Accepting the award, the Prime Minister dedicated the recognition to all nations working together to address the challenges posed by climate change and promote sustainable development.
The visit also featured ceremonial engagements. Modi received a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the State House upon his arrival and participated in official proceedings alongside President Herminie. During his stay, he also visited the Seychelles National Botanical Garden, toured a tortoise enclosure, and joined the Seychelles President in a tree plantation ceremony, reflecting the environmental focus of the visit.
In a major boost to bilateral defence cooperation, India handed over a Made-in-India Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV), PS LESPWAR, to Seychelles. Manufactured by Goa Shipyard Limited, the vessel is expected to strengthen the island nation’s maritime surveillance and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) patrol capabilities. India also gifted six ambulances, ten utility vehicles, and five laser-guided boats to support Seychelles’ security and public service infrastructure.
According to the MEA, these initiatives reflect the growing strategic partnership between the two countries and India’s continued commitment to supporting capacity building in the Indian Ocean Region.
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Victoria on June 27 for a three-day State Visit at the invitation of President Patrick Herminie. He was welcomed at the airport by the Seychelles President, Cabinet Ministers, and senior officials in a special gesture symbolising the warm and longstanding friendship between the two nations. Modi is also scheduled to attend Seychelles’ Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations on June 29 as the Guest of Honour, marking 50 years of the country’s independence from the United Kingdom.
