India-Seychelles Golden Jubilee: PM Modi Addresses National Assembly, Secures 9 Pacts Prime Minister Narendra Modi secur…

India-Seychelles Golden Jubilee: PM Modi Addresses National Assembly, Secures 9 Pacts Prime Minister Narendra Modi secured 9 major agreements and the highest civil honor during a historic state visit to Seychelles marking 50 years of bilateral ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Sunday that 50 years of diplomatic connectivity have reinforced the bilateral commitments between India and Seychelles.

This year underscores the immense depth defining the bilateral partnership. Half a century ago, the Indian naval vessel INS Nilgiri docked in Port Victoria to mark solidarity during Seychelles’ independence. Today, INS Tarkash and INS Ikshak are stationed at Port Victoria to commemorate this 50-year Golden Jubilee.

The passage of 50 years has altered global dynamics, yet the mutual commitments between the two democracies remain completely unchanged. Prime Minister Modi delivered these remarks during his address to the National Assembly of Seychelles in Victoria during his official state visit.

For generations, the maritime agencies, coast guards, and defense forces of both countries have executed joint training exercises. India deeply appreciates the high level of professionalism displayed by the Seychelles Defence Forces and the Seychelles Coast Guard.

These defense bodies remain vital in securing the expansive local maritime zones and the broader Indian Ocean Region.

Strategic collaborations in hydrography, maritime domain awareness, and capacity building reflect a unified vision for regional safety.

The financial progress of one country directly fuels the growth of the other. Regional stability yields shared advantages for all neighboring nations.

It represents a distinctive historical milestone to stand before the legislative body as the initial Indian Prime Minister to address the National Assembly.

New Delhi’s maritime strategy is guided by the MAHASAGAR framework, signifying Mutual And Holistic Advancement for Security And Growth Across Regions. This philosophy acknowledges that regional futures are deeply interconnected. Bilateral operations will persist to guarantee a protected maritime sphere.

The Prime Minister recalled that his inaugural diplomatic visit within the Indian Ocean territory took place in Seychelles in 2015.

The legislative address in Victoria represents the 20th foreign parliament Prime Minister Modi has addressed during his tenure. After taking office in 2014, he addressed assemblies in Bhutan, Nepal, Australia, and Fiji.

In 2015, the Prime Minister addressed parliamentary bodies in Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, the United Kingdom, and Afghanistan.

The diplomatic journey advanced with an address to the United States Congress in 2016, followed by a second speech in 2023. This made him the premier leader from India to address a Joint Session of the US Congress twice.

Further legislative speeches were delivered in Uganda in 2018, the Maldives in 2019, and Guyana in 2024.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi and Seychelles President Patrick Herminie held high-level talks to evaluate the progress achieved across the India-Seychelles partnership.

The bilateral discussions at the State House centered on the Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages. President Herminie emphasized local priorities in countering piracy, narcotics trafficking, and illegal fishing.

Seychelles acknowledged Indian maritime surveillance assistance, including the refit of PS Zoroaster and the presentation of the Fast Attack Vessel PS Lespwar.

To support infrastructure, India confirmed a $175 million Special Economic Package, splitting $125 million into an Indian Rupee Line of Credit and $50 million via direct grants. This supports social housing, vocational centers, and green hydrogen technology.

Prime Minister Modi proposed direct shipping networks, bilateral trade utilization of local currencies, and enhanced tourism links. India committed 6 ambulances, affordable medical supplies through the Janaushadhi Scheme, and technical training for Seychellois health professionals.

The leaders conducted a virtual groundbreaking for the Professional and Technical Education Centre and operationalized 3 solar water pumping systems under the International Solar Alliance.

The ministerial delegations officially exchanged 9 legal instruments:

• MoU between the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service and the Seychelles Foreign Ministry.
• Seafarer certification recognition pact between respective transport and shipping ministries.
• An Extradition Treaty between India and Seychelles.
• ICAR agricultural workplan spanning 2026 through 2031.
• A 1,250 crore INR Umbrella Line of Credit Agreement with the Exim Bank of India.
• Space cooperation MoU for peaceful outer space exploration.
• Preparatory agreement for the construction of the New Seychelles National Hospital.
• Janaushadhi medicine supply MoU via HLL Lifecare Limited.
• Digital payment cooperation MoU between NPCI International Payments and the Central Bank of Seychelles.

President Herminie presented Prime Minister Modi with the Special Presidential Distinction “Guardian of the Blue Horizon.” This represents the highest international honor granted by Seychelles.

The diplomatic visit aligns with the Golden Jubilee of bilateral relations, ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s scheduled attendance at the National Day Parade on June 29, 2026.

History of India-Seychelles Relations

The strategic partnership between India and Seychelles traces back to the formal establishment of diplomatic ties in 1976, immediately following Seychelles’ independence. India was among the first nations to establish an embassy in Victoria. Over the past five decades, the relationship has transitioned from basic development assistance into a robust geopolitical alliance centered on maritime security in the western Indian Ocean.

The defense relationship solidified significantly in the 2010s as India began supplying maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters, and naval vessels to help Seychelles combat piracy and secure its vast Exclusive Economic Zone. The strategic alignment expanded further under India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policy, establishing Seychelles as a core pillar of New Delhi’s maritime domain awareness network.

FAQs

What is the MAHASAGAR vision announced by India?

MAHASAGAR stands for Mutual And Holistic Advancement for Security And Growth Across Regions. It is India’s strategic framework focusing on collective maritime security, defense cooperation, and sustainable economic growth among Indian Ocean littoral states.

What financial assistance did India extend to Seychelles in 2026?

India delivered a $175 million Special Economic Package to Seychelles. This financial package comprises a rupee-denominated Line of Credit worth $125 million (INR 1,250 crores) and $50 million in direct grant assistance for local development.

What is the “Guardian of the Blue Horizon” award?

The “Guardian of the Blue Horizon” is the highest honor that the Republic of Seychelles bestows upon international dignitaries. President Patrick Herminie presented it to Prime Minister Modi for his global leadership in ocean governance and the Blue Economy.

How many foreign parliaments has Prime Minister Modi addressed?

With his address to the National Assembly of Seychelles on June 28, 2026, Prime Minister Modi has addressed a total of 20 foreign parliaments and legislative bodies during his tenure.