PM Modi’s 20th Address to a Foreign Parliament
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the National Assembly of Seychelles on Sunday, June 28, 2026, marking his 20th address to a foreign parliament since assuming office in 2014. The address underscores India’s expanding diplomatic footprint, particularly in the Indian Ocean region and the Global South.
Chronology of Addresses
According to a recall of addresses, PM Modi’s first foreign parliamentary addresses after taking charge in 2014 were to the parliaments of Bhutan, Nepal, Australia, and Fiji. In 2015, he addressed the National Assembly of Mauritius, followed by the parliaments of Sri Lanka, Mongolia, the United Kingdom, and Afghanistan.
In 2016, PM Modi addressed a Joint Session of the United States Congress, and he repeated this feat in 2023, becoming the first Indian prime minister to address the US Congress twice. Between these engagements, he also addressed the parliaments of Uganda in 2018, the Maldives in 2019, and Guyana in 2024.
The momentum continued in 2025, when Modi addressed the parliaments of Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, and Namibia during his visits in July, followed by a Joint Session of the Ethiopian Parliament in December. Earlier in 2026, on February 25, PM Modi created history by becoming the first Indian prime minister to address the Knesset, the Parliament of Israel, during his state visit to Jerusalem.
Significance of the Seychelles Address
The address to the Seychelles National Assembly is part of PM Modi’s broader strategy to strengthen ties with island nations and African countries. Seychelles, a key partner in the Indian Ocean, has close security and economic ties with India. The visit underscores India’s commitment to the ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine.
During the address, PM Modi highlighted shared values of democracy, maritime security, and sustainable development. According to official sources, the prime minister also reiterated India’s support for Seychelles’ infrastructure and capacity-building projects.
This milestone of 20 foreign parliament addresses reflects India’s proactive diplomacy under PM Modi, engaging with nations across continents. The trend is expected to continue as India seeks a larger role in global governance.
