India and Seychelles: A Bond Across Oceans.

PM Modi’s historic address highlights shared culture, maritime vision, and climate responsibility.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made history as the first Indian leader to address the Seychelles Parliament, reaffirming India’s enduring partnership with the island nation. His speech blended cultural warmth with strategic vision, underscoring how the Indian Ocean ties together the destinies of both countries.

Modi began by recalling the journey of the first Indians who arrived in Seychelles more than 250 years ago, noting that their legacy has become part of the nation’s modern identity. He praised Seychelles’ multicultural spirit, describing its people as the country’s “greatest strength.” The Prime Minister highlighted how diversity is celebrated through Creole music, the Moutya dance, and Festival Kreol, drawing parallels with India’s own traditions of unity in diversity.

Cultural connections formed a central theme of his address. Modi pointed out that everyday life in Seychelles reflects Indian influences from kari coco, samosas, and chutney to festivals like Deepavali, Thai Pongal, and Garba. These shared traditions, he said, strengthen the friendship between the two nations and inspire confidence in their future cooperation.

Turning to strategic matters, Modi emphasized that the security and prosperity of India and Seychelles are closely linked. He recalled the presence of Indian naval ships during Seychelles’ independence celebrations 50 years ago. He noted that INS Tarkash and INS Ikshak are currently docked at Port Victoria to mark the Golden Jubilee. He outlined India’s MAHASAGAR vision:Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions as a framework for collaboration among Indian Ocean nations. Recognizing Seychelles as a “large ocean country,” he praised its leadership in marine conservation and the blue economy.

Climate justice was another key focus. Modi stressed that island nations and the Global South bear a disproportionate burden of climate change despite contributing little to global emissions. He highlighted India’s renewable energy expansion and Mission LiFE initiative as examples of sustainable action, while applauding Seychelles’ commitment to environmental stewardship. His recent recognition with the nation’s highest civilian honour, the Guardian of the Blue Horizon, was framed as encouragement for ongoing conservation efforts.

The Prime Minister also underscored people‑to‑people ties, noting that nearly one in 50 Seychellois has received training in India. He offered to share India’s expertise in Digital Public Infrastructure, which he said could enhance governance, financial inclusion, and digital transformation in Seychelles.

Concluding his address, Modi reminded the Assembly that the Indian Ocean does not divide India and Seychelles but connects them, a bond of friendship rooted in history, culture, and shared aspirations.