PM Modi Addresses Seychelles National Assembly
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made history on Sunday by addressing the National Assembly of Seychelles. He extended congratulations on the nation’s 50 years of independence and conveyed warm greetings from 1.4 billion Indian citizens while reaffirming strengthening bilateral ties.
Key Highlights
- Prime Minister Modi became the first Indian premier to address the National Assembly of Seychelles.
- The address marks Modi’s 20th speech to a foreign legislative body since taking office in 2014.
- Bilateral focus areas highlight renewable energy partnerships, particularly expanding cooperation in green hydrogen.
- The visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic and foundational friendship between both nations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Seychelles National Assembly on Sunday, describing the opportunity to speak before the legislative body as a distinct privilege. Modi extended formal congratulations to Seychelles as the nation commemorates 50 years of independence from the United Kingdom.
Reflecting on his 2015 visit, which marked his inaugural overseas tour within the Indian Ocean region after assuming office, Modi emphasized that Seychelles maintains a foundational role in India’s regional strategy. He noted a decade of expanding trust and robust cross-sector cooperation.
Modi voiced strong optimism regarding the future trajectory of the bilateral relationship, emphasizing that the strategic alliance will deepen. Our partnership will grow even stronger, the Prime Minister stated, pointing to emerging sectors like green hydrogen as key vectors for future economic cooperation.
Hind Ocean Connects Both Nations
Addressing the lawmakers, Prime Minister Modi observed that the Indian Ocean serves as a bridge rather than a barrier between the two democracies. He noted that representatives meet as enduring friends rather than strangers, building on historic interactions.
Congratulations on Half a Century of Freedom
Two and a Half Centuries of Shared Heritage
The Prime Minister highlighted that bilateral ties extend well beyond contemporary diplomatic history, tracing back approximately 250 years. He cited historical records from August 1770, when five Indian citizens arrived at Sainte Anne Island among the earliest settlers, establishing a shared cultural heritage.
Historical Address Record
The parliamentary address in Victoria represents Modi’s 20th speech delivered to a foreign legislature while serving as Prime Minister. Since 2014, his legislative addresses have spanned multiple continents, including early speeches to the parliaments of Bhutan, Nepal, Australia, and Fiji.
In 2015, Modi addressed assemblies in Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, the United Kingdom, and Afghanistan. This was followed by a 2016 address to the United States Congress, where a subsequent 2023 speech made him the first Indian Prime Minister to address a Joint Session of the U.S. Congress twice.
Subsequent engagements included addresses to the parliaments of Uganda in 2018, the Maldives in 2019, and Guyana in 2024. Diplomatic momentum accelerated in 2025 with addresses to the parliaments of Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, and Namibia in July, followed by Ethiopia in December.
Earlier in 2026, on February 25, Modi secured a historic milestone as the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Knesset in Israel. His current three-day state visit to Seychelles from June 27 to June 29 follows an invitation by President Herminie.
First Lady Veronique welcomed the visit, noting that the Indian diaspora comprises approximately 10% of the local population. She highlighted historical Indian developmental assistance in medical, educational, and military sectors, while seeking expanded tourism and fisheries partnerships.
Sylvanne Lemiel, Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly, added that a newly proposed India-Seychelles Parliamentary Committee will facilitate staff training and technical exchanges, supported by the assembly’s new financial autonomy under the National Assembly Administration Bill.
Historical Context
The strategic partnership between India and Seychelles is rooted in maritime security, capacity building, and deep people-to-people ties within the Western Indian Ocean. Over the past decades, India has remained a critical net security provider and developmental partner for the island nation. This relationship has translated into significant infrastructure assistance, defense cooperation including patrolling assets, and extensive human resource development through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program. PM Modi’s landmark address during the Golden Jubilee of Seychelles’ independence underscores New Delhi’s “SAGAR” (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, positioning Seychelles as a core pillar of India’s geopolitical outreach in the Global South.
FAQs
When did PM Modi address the Seychelles National Assembly?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the National Assembly of Seychelles on Sunday, June 28, 2026, during his three-day official state visit to the island nation.
How many foreign parliaments has PM Modi addressed in total?
The address to the Seychelles National Assembly marks the 20th foreign legislative body or national parliament that Prime Minister Modi has addressed since taking office in 2014.
What historical connection did PM Modi mention between India and Seychelles?
PM Modi highlighted that the connection between the two nations dates back roughly 250 years, noting that five Indians were among the first settlers who arrived at Sainte Anne Island in August 1770.
What percentage of the Seychelles population does the Indian diaspora represent?
According to the First Lady of Seychelles, Veronique, the Indian diaspora forms a significant part of the local community, representing approximately 10% of the total population of Seychelles.
