Indian PM Narendra Modi Addresses Seychelles National Assembly to Deepen Maritime and Strategic Ties Indian PM Narendra…

Indian PM Narendra Modi Addresses Seychelles National Assembly to Deepen Maritime and Strategic Ties Indian PM Narendra Modi addressed the Seychelles National Assembly, reinforcing bilateral maritime security, strategic partnership, and historical ties while warning about climate change impacts on the Global South. modi addresses seychelles parliament pm-modi-seychelles-national-assembly-address Narendra Modi, Seychelles Golden Jubilee, Maritime Security, Indian Ocean Region, Global South, Climate Action, India Seychelles Relations politics

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the National Assembly of Seychelles on Sunday, reinforcing bilateral maritime security, defense cooperation, and deep historical connections. The historic speech marks a cornerstone in India’s strategic outreach within the western Indian Ocean region, emphasizing mutual regional security and sustainable development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the parliament of Seychelles. In his remarks, he underlined the importance of stability and security in the region, highlighting how the Indian Ocean acts as a bridge bringing the two maritime partners closer.

In his address to the 8th National Assembly of Seychelles, PM Modi, who is on a State visit to the island country, underscored the ‘indivisibility’ of the region’s security.

‘As maritime neighbours, we recognise that the security of one adds to the security of the other. The prosperity of one contributes to the prosperity of the other. The stability of the region benefits us all,’ PM Modi asserted.

‘Our cooperation in maritime security and capacity building reflects our shared commitment to a safer and more secure Indian Ocean Region,’ he stated.

He further highlighted a powerful historical parallel regarding India’s steadfast support for Seychelles’ sovereignty.

‘Fifty years ago, at the dawn of your independence, the Indian Naval Ship INS Nilgiri was present in Port Victoria as a mark of friendship and solidarity. Today, as you celebrate your Golden Jubilee, INS Ikshak and INS Tarkash are docked at Port Victoria,’ PM Modi said, noting that while five decades have passed, India’s commitment remains unchanged.

Seychelles gained independence from Great Britain on June 29, 1976, ending over 160 years of British administration. Claimed by France in 1756 and named Sechelles, the islands were later surrendered to the British in 1810 and officially ceded in the 1814 Treaty of Paris. In 1903, Seychelles was made a separate British Crown Colony.

‘The first country in the Indian Ocean region that I visited as Prime Minister was Seychelles in 2015… I came here because I believe that Seychelles occupied a special place in India’s vision for the Indian Ocean. As I return here after a decade, that conviction is stronger than ever. I’m delighted to join you as you celebrate 50 years of your independence,’ PM Modi said in his address to the Parliament.

‘The Indian Ocean does not separate, but connects India and Seychelles,’ he underlined.

Prime Minister Modi lauded the unique identity of the island nation and the deep cultural overlaps with India.

‘The greatest strength of Seychelles is its people. Over generations, people from all parts of the world arrived here. They brought with them different languages, customs, beliefs, and traditions, and together they built a shared identity that is proudly Seychellois. Your National Assembly motto says ‘Unity in Diversity’. This can be heard in the melodies of Creole music and seen in the rhythm of the Moutya dance during Festival Creole, when the nation celebrates the richness of its heritage,’ the Prime Minister said.

Highlighting the ‘Creole spirit,’ PM Modi remarked, ‘The connections between our cultures are visible in everyday life. They can be felt in the flavours of kharik, samosa, and chutney. They can be found in the celebrations of Deepavali, Thai Pongal, and the Garba dance during Navratri. This is the Creole spirit that gives us great confidence in the future of our friendship.’

The Prime Minister also addressed pressing global environmental shifts, noting that developing territories and island nations face severe ecological disruptions. He stated that the Global South is currently bearing the brunt of climate change, calling for stronger international cooperation and equitable climate action to support vulnerable ocean economies.

PM Modi also expressed his deep appreciation for the Seychelles Defence Forces and Coast Guard, praising their professionalism in safeguarding their maritime domain and the wider Indian Ocean Region.

He reiterated that India’s cooperation in maritime security, capacity building, and hydrography is not merely a policy, but a reflection of a shared commitment to a ‘safer and more secure Indian Ocean Region.’

Further, he said, when people look at a map they may see Seychelles as a group of islands in the Indian Ocean but we see something much greater, we see a nation whose horizons stretch far beyound its shore.’

Noting that the island country’s maritime territory is spread over 1.4 million square kilometres of the western Indian Ocean, PM Modi stated that it makes Seychelles ‘not a small island State but a large ocean country.’

Prime Minister Modi is on a three-day State Visit to Seychelles from June 27 to June 29 at the invitation of President Patrick Herminie. During the visit, President Herminie honored the Indian leader with the prestigious ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’ award for his efforts toward environmental conservation.

The Prime Minister is also scheduled to attend Seychelles’ Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour, marking 50 years of the country’s independence from the United Kingdom in 1976.

This addresses marks the 20th foreign parliament that PM Modi has addressed over his tenure. His previous legislative addresses span numerous countries, including major regional and global partners such as Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Australia, the United States, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Israel.

History of India-Seychelles Strategic Ties

The roots of the relationship between India and Seychelles stretch significantly further back than modern diplomatic records indicate. While formal bilateral ties solidified after Seychelles achieved independence, historical records trace the earliest contact to August 1770.

During this period, five Indian nationals arrived at St. Anne Island aboard the vessel Telemaque, embedding Indian heritage into the foundational history of modern Seychelles.

The defense relationship reached a milestone on June 29, 1976, when the Indian naval ship INS Nilgiri docked at Port Victoria to mark the country’s independence from British rule. Exactly 50 years later, the deployment of INS Tarkash and INS Ikshak highlights the long-term defense and hydrographic synchronization designed to secure trade routes across the 1.4 million square kilometres of Seychelles’ exclusive economic zone.

FAQs

When did Seychelles gain independence from Great Britain?

Seychelles officially gained independence from British colonial rule on June 29, 1976, concluding more than 160 years of British administration following the historic 1814 Treaty of Paris.

What award did President Patrick Herminie present to PM Modi?

President Patrick Herminie honored Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’ award in recognition of his leadership and sustained international initiatives focused on environmental conservation.

How many foreign parliaments has Prime Minister Modi addressed?

The speech before the National Assembly of Seychelles represents the 20th foreign parliament addressed by Prime Minister Modi, adding to a list that includes the United States, Australia, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka.

What historical ship connection did PM Modi mention in his speech?

PM Modi recalled the arrival of the ship Telemaque at St. Anne Island in August 1770, which carried the first five Indian settlers, cementing a generational bond well before formal diplomatic ties.