Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday departed for Seychelles for a three-day visit centred on participating in the island nation’s Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations.“This year, it is even more special because it is the Golden Jubilee celebrations,” he wrote on X.Ahead of his departure, PM Modi also described Seychelles as a “valued maritime neighbour” and a key partner in India’s Vision MAHASAGAR and efforts to advance the interests of the Global South.
Bilateral talks with Seychelles President
A key agenda on the Prime Minister’s agenda is a meeting with Seychelles President Dr Patrick Herminie.According to the Ministry of external affairs (MEA), the two leaders will review the full spectrum of India-Seychelles cooperation, including maritime security, development partnership, capacity building and defence ties.They will also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.“I look forward to discussions with my friend, Dr. Patrick Herminie, President of the Republic of Seychelles,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
Address to national assembly, diaspora interaction
Prime Minister Modi will also address the National Assembly of Seychelles during his visit, highlighting the close relationship between the two countries.He is also scheduled to interact with members of the Indian diaspora, which has played an important role in strengthening people-to-people ties between India and Seychelles.“I am honoured to be addressing the National Assembly of Seychelles during the visit. I also look forward to meeting the Indian community there,” PM Modi said.
Why Seychelles matters to India
The MEA said Seychelles occupies a special place in India’s Vision MAHASAGAR as a strategic maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region.India and Seychelles share longstanding historical, cultural and economic ties, and the visit is expected to reaffirm the strong bilateral partnership while expanding cooperation in defence, security, connectivity and development.The visit marks his first trip to the country since 2015.