Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Seychelles National Assembly on Sunday, June 29, 2024, as the guest of honor for National Day celebrations.
The visit signals a strategic push by India to deepen maritime partnerships and security cooperation within the Indian Ocean region. By engaging directly with the legislature, India seeks to solidify its role as a primary partner for the island nation in trade and regional stability.
Modi became the first Indian prime minister to address the National Assembly in Victoria [3]. During his speech, he highlighted the scale of the partnership and the connection between the two nations.
"It is a special honour to stand before you as the first Indian Prime Minister to address this National Assembly," Modi said. "I bring with me the warm greetings and best wishes of 1.4 billion people of India" [1].
The prime minister's itinerary in the country spanned three days [2]. The diplomatic mission focused on strengthening bilateral ties, specifically regarding security and trade frameworks designed to protect maritime interests in the Indian Ocean.
Officials said the visit was intended to enhance cooperation in areas where the two nations share mutual interests, including the monitoring of sea lanes and the development of trade infrastructure. The high-profile nature of the visit underscores the growing importance of small island states in India's broader geopolitical strategy.
“Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the National Assembly in Victoria.”
This visit marks a shift toward more direct legislative engagement in India's diplomacy with Indian Ocean island nations. By securing a first-of-its-kind address to the Seychelles National Assembly, India is positioning itself as a key security guarantor and economic partner, countering other regional influences while prioritizing maritime domain awareness and trade connectivity.
