Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Arul Mihu Navashakti Vinayagar Temple in Victoria, Seychelles, on June 29, 2026 [1].
The visit serves as a strategic effort to strengthen bilateral relations and acknowledge the contributions of the Indian diaspora and People of Indian Origin living in the island nation [1].
During the visit, Modi offered prayers at the temple and engaged with members of the local community. The engagement highlighted the cultural bridge between India and Seychelles, a relationship that both governments seek to expand through diplomatic and social channels [1].
Local representatives expressed a strong desire for continued support from the Indian government. Sundari Jawahar, an Executive Committee Member of the Arul Mihu Navashakti Vinayagar Temple, said the community was excited by the visit.
"The Indian community is very excited because we share a bilateral relationship between both the countries," Jawahar said [2].
Beyond the religious and cultural aspects of the trip, the meeting focused on the role of the diaspora in maintaining strategic ties. The Indian community in Seychelles has previously requested support for the establishment of a cultural centre to preserve and promote Indian heritage in the region [2].
Modi's presence in Victoria underscores India's broader diplomatic outreach in the Indian Ocean region. By centering the visit on a community landmark, the Prime Minister emphasized the intersection of faith and diplomacy in shaping international partnerships [1].
“The Indian community is very excited because we share a bilateral relationship between both the countries.”
This visit demonstrates India's 'diaspora diplomacy' strategy, where the government leverages the presence of Indian citizens abroad to secure strategic footholds in key maritime regions. By visiting a temple in Seychelles, Modi is reinforcing cultural soft power to complement India's security and economic interests in the Indian Ocean.
