Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Seychelles National Assembly in Victoria to strengthen bilateral ties and promote people-to-people cooperation [1].
The visit signals India's strategic commitment to the Indian Ocean region under its SAGAR vision. By engaging with the island nation, India aims to bolster maritime security and diplomatic influence in a critical geopolitical corridor.
Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Seychelles National Assembly [2]. During the session, he said the visit marked his 20th address to a foreign legislative body [3]. He used the platform to convey greetings from 1.4 billion Indians [2].
"We meet not as strangers, but as old friends," Modi said [3].
The Prime Minister's visit coincided with the 50th year of independence for the Seychelles [2]. To mark the occasion, he received the "Guardian of the Blue Horizon" award, a high civilian honor reflecting the partnership between the two nations [1].
Beyond the legislative address, Modi held delegation-level talks to discuss deepening cooperation [1]. These discussions focused on expanding the India-Seychelles partnership, and enhancing mutual support in regional governance.
"It is a privilege to become the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Seychelles National Assembly," Modi said [2].
The diplomatic outreach emphasizes India's role as a primary partner for small island developing states. The engagement includes a focus on sustainable development and the protection of the blue economy, areas where India provides technical and financial assistance to the region [1].
“"We meet not as strangers, but as old friends."”
This visit underscores India's 'Security and Growth for All in the Region' (SAGAR) policy, positioning New Delhi as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean. By honoring the 50th anniversary of Seychelles' independence and securing high-level legislative access, India is countering competing regional influences and solidifying its presence in the Western Indian Ocean.
