Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi fed resident giant tortoises during a tour of the National Botanical Garden in Victoria on Saturday [1].
The visit serves as a diplomatic effort to deepen bilateral ties between India and Seychelles while highlighting India's strategic engagement within the Indian Ocean region [2].
Accompanied by Seychelles President Patrick Herminie, Modi toured the garden's enclosures. During the visit, the prime minister fed several giant tortoises, including a tortoise named Jonathan, who is 194 years old [3]. Jonathan is recognized as the oldest living land animal in the world [4].
Beyond the encounter with the tortoises, the visit included a tree plantation ceremony. Modi and President Herminie joined together to plant trees, a gesture aligned with environmental conservation efforts [5].
The tour of the National Botanical Garden was a central feature of the state visit occurring on June 27, 2026 [6]. The itinerary included a variety of activities designed to showcase the natural heritage of the Seychelles islands, and the shared commitment to ecological preservation between the two nations [1].
Diplomatic sources said the visit is part of a broader strategy to enhance cooperation in security and environmental management. The interaction at the botanical garden provided a high-profile visual representation of the friendship between the two leaders — a key element of the state visit's public diplomacy [2].
“Modi fed the resident giant tortoises, including the 194-year-old tortoise Jonathan.”
This visit underscores India's 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policy, utilizing soft diplomacy and environmental cooperation to solidify its influence in the Indian Ocean. By engaging in highly visible, symbolic acts like planting trees and interacting with iconic wildlife, India signals a partnership based on mutual respect and shared ecological goals rather than solely on security or economic interests.
