PM Modi Departs for Seychelles to Join Golden Jubilee National Day Celebrations

New Delhi, Jun 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday departed for a three-day State visit to Seychelles, where he will participate as the Guest of Honour in the island nation’s Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations and hold extensive bilateral discussions aimed at expanding cooperation across key sectors.

The visit, scheduled from June 27 to June 29, comes at a significant moment as India and Seychelles commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations. During his stay, Prime Minister Modi is expected to meet Seychelles President Patrick Herminie to review the progress of bilateral ties and explore new avenues of collaboration in maritime security, trade, development and regional stability.

Before leaving for Seychelles, the Prime Minister described the island nation as one of India’s closest maritime neighbours and an important partner under the Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) initiative. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening partnerships across the Global South while promoting peace and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean Region.

In a statement, Modi said the enduring relationship between the two countries is built on mutual trust, democratic values, cultural understanding and strong people-to-people connections. He expressed confidence that the visit would further reinforce the longstanding friendship and create fresh opportunities for cooperation.

The Prime Minister also noted that his discussions with President Herminie would focus on expanding collaboration in areas including maritime security, regional connectivity, capacity building, economic development and prosperity for both nations.

Highlighting the significance of the visit, Modi said he would become the first Indian Prime Minister to address the National Assembly of Seychelles. He described the opportunity as a reflection of the close democratic traditions shared by both countries and the growing strength of parliamentary engagement between the two nations.

Apart from official engagements, Modi is expected to interact with members of the Indian diaspora living in Seychelles. He praised the community for serving as a vital bridge between the two countries and for contributing to the strong cultural and historical relationship that has evolved over generations.

Indian officials said the visit would also showcase the growing defence partnership between the two countries. A contingent of the Indian Armed Forces, along with two Indian Navy ships, will participate in the Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations, highlighting expanding maritime cooperation in the strategically important Indian Ocean.

The Prime Minister last visited Seychelles in 2015. Since then, bilateral relations have expanded significantly across sectors such as defence, healthcare, digital infrastructure, education, renewable energy and development assistance. President Patrick Herminie’s visit to India earlier this year further accelerated engagement between the two governments.

Officials believe the latest visit will provide fresh momentum to India’s maritime outreach in the Indian Ocean Region while reinforcing its role as a trusted development partner. The visit is also expected to strengthen cooperation on regional security, blue economy initiatives and sustainable growth, reflecting the shared vision of both nations for a secure, peaceful and prosperous Indian Ocean.