By Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Seychelles on Saturday for a two-day official visit, marking another significant step in India’s efforts to strengthen its presence in the Indian Ocean region. As the Guest of Honour at the island nation’s Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations, Modi’s visit is expected to deepen cooperation in maritime security, economic development and regional connectivity.
Welcomed with a ceremonial guard of honour at the airport, the Prime Minister was received by Seychelles President Patrick Herminie. The visit underscores the growing strategic partnership between the two countries, particularly at a time when the Indian Ocean is gaining increasing geopolitical importance.
Soon after his arrival, Modi described Seychelles as one of India’s closest maritime partners and reaffirmed New Delhi’s commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation. In a message shared on social media, he expressed confidence that the visit would further strengthen the longstanding friendship between the two nations while delivering tangible benefits for their people.
India and Seychelles have maintained close diplomatic ties for decades, with cooperation spanning maritime security, coastal surveillance, capacity building, healthcare, education and infrastructure development. Given Seychelles’ strategic location in the western Indian Ocean, the country has become an important partner in India’s vision of ensuring security and sustainable growth across the region.
During his visit, Modi is expected to hold high-level discussions with President Herminie on expanding collaboration in defence, trade, digital technology, climate resilience and the blue economy. Maritime security remains a key pillar of bilateral engagement, with both countries working closely on tackling piracy, illegal fishing and ensuring safe navigation across the Indian Ocean.
Apart from official meetings, the Prime Minister also visited the Giant Tortoise Enclosure at the Seychelles National Botanical Garden along with President Herminie. During the visit, he met Jonathan, the world’s oldest known living tortoise, believed to be around 193 years old. Modi later shared photographs from the visit, describing the experience as memorable while highlighting Seychelles’ rich natural heritage.
Members of the Indian diaspora also gathered to welcome the Prime Minister upon his arrival, reflecting the close people-to-people ties between the two countries. India has traditionally been among Seychelles’ key development partners, supporting several projects in infrastructure, healthcare, education and disaster management over the years.
The visit comes as India continues to strengthen its engagement with island nations across the Indian Ocean through its neighbourhood-first and maritime outreach policies. Analysts believe Modi’s presence at Seychelles’ 50th National Day celebrations carries both symbolic and strategic significance, reaffirming India’s commitment to regional stability, economic cooperation and maritime security.
The two-day visit is expected to conclude with discussions aimed at expanding bilateral partnerships across multiple sectors, further reinforcing India’s role as a trusted partner in the Indian Ocean region.
