Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the National Day celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Independence of Seychelles. Mr Modi attended the celebrations as the Guest of Honour, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to be accorded this honour. An Indian marching contingent comprising Navy and Army teams participated in the parade.
An Indian Naval band also formed part of the Indian marching unit, underlining the close and special India-Seychelles partnership. In a special gesture, INS Tarkash and INS Ikshak were docked at Port Victoria, highlighting India’s longstanding friendship with Seychelles. PM Modi conveyed India’s warm wishes to the people of Seychelles on this historic occasion.
Mr Modi arrived in Seychelles on Saturday at the invitation of the President of Seychelles, Patrick Herminie. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, were also present at the event.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India and Seychelles share a longstanding partnership rooted in shared historical, cultural and people-to-people ties.
As a key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean region, Seychelles holds a special place in India’s Vision ‘MAHASAGAR’ (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and our commitment to the Global South.
The MEA said Mr Modi’s visit will reaffirm the strong and enduring friendship between India and Seychelles and reinforce the shared commitment of both countries to enhance the bilateral relationship across all sectors.