Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered prayers at the Arul Mihu Navashakti Temple in Victoria, Seychelles, on June 29, 2026 [1].
The visit underscores India's strategic focus on strengthening diplomatic and cultural ties with the island nation. By engaging with the Indian diaspora, the Prime Minister aims to solidify a partnership that spans security, economic cooperation, and shared heritage.
During his time at the temple, Modi highlighted the strength of India-Seychelles relations [1]. The visit served as a platform to reaffirm bilateral commitments and deepen the connection between the two countries [1]. The temple, located in the capital of Victoria, became a focal point for the local Indian community to express their support for the ongoing partnership.
Members of the local community welcomed the Prime Minister's visit as a sign of mutual respect and cooperation. Sundari Jawahar, an executive committee member of the Arul Mihu Navashakti Vinayakar Temple, said the event was significant. "The Indian community is very excited because we share a bilateral relationship between both the countries," Jawahar said [2].
Beyond the religious observance, the visit included discussions regarding the needs of the diaspora. Community members used the occasion to request support for a cultural centre to preserve and promote Indian traditions within the Seychelles [2]. This request aligns with India's broader diplomatic strategy of leveraging its global diaspora to enhance soft power and cultural diplomacy in the Indian Ocean region.
The visit concludes a series of engagements designed to project India as a reliable partner in the region. By blending state diplomacy with community outreach, the administration seeks to ensure that bilateral ties remain resilient and mutually beneficial [1].
“The Indian community is very excited because we share a bilateral relationship between both the countries.”
This visit signifies India's continued commitment to the 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, prioritizing the Indian Ocean islands. By focusing on cultural diplomacy and the diaspora, India is strengthening its influence in a strategically vital maritime corridor, ensuring that its diplomatic presence is felt both at the government level and within the local community.
