Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Arul Mihu Navashakti Vinayakar Temple in Victoria, Seychelles, on June 29, 2026 [1].
The visit underscores India's strategic interest in the Indian Ocean region and seeks to deepen diplomatic and cultural alliances with the island nation.
During the visit, Modi offered prayers and engaged with members of the Indian diaspora. The meetings focused on strategic cooperation and the ongoing efforts to strengthen the bilateral relationship between India and Seychelles [1]. The prime minister said the ties that currently bind the two nations are strong.
Members of the local Indian community welcomed the prime minister and used the gathering to request support for the establishment of a cultural centre [2]. This request reflects the community's desire to preserve Indian heritage, and foster deeper cultural exchanges within the Seychelles.
Sundari Jawahar, an executive committee member of the Arul Mihu Navashakti Vinayakar Temple, noted the significance of the visit. "The Indian community is very excited because we share a bilateral relationship between both the ..." Jawahar said [2].
The visit to the temple in Victoria serves as a symbolic gesture of the shared spiritual and cultural bonds between the two countries. By engaging directly with the diaspora, the prime minister highlighted the role of the Indian community as a bridge for diplomatic and economic cooperation, a key component of India's regional outreach strategy.
“The Indian community is very excited because we share a bilateral relationship”
This visit signals India's continued commitment to its 'Neighborhood First' and 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policies. By blending high-level diplomatic engagement with cultural outreach to the diaspora, India reinforces its presence in the strategic waters of the Indian Ocean, balancing geopolitical influence through soft power and strategic partnerships.
