PM Modi Addresses Seychelles National Assembly, Highlights Maritime Partnership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a three-day state visit to Seychelles from June 27 to 29, addressed the National Assembly of Seychelles on June 28, 2026. He reaffirmed that the defence and security of India and Seychelles are inextricably linked, positioning India as a trusted partner in the island nation's security and sovereignty. The address marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Modi placed maritime defence and strategic cooperation at the centre of bilateral ties, noting that while global shifts have occurred over five decades, the commitment between defence forces remains unchanged. 'The passage of 50 years has changed many things. But it has not changed our commitment to one another. For decades, our defence forces, coast guards, and maritime agencies have trained and worked closely together,' he said. He emphasised that India deeply values Seychelles' role in safeguarding its vast maritime domain and the wider Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Naval Presence Symbolises Deepening Ties
Modi highlighted that Indian naval ships INS Tarkash and INS Ikshak, currently docked at Port Victoria, serve as a reminder of the partnership's depth. 'Fifty years ago, at the dawn of your independence, an Indian naval ship, INS Nilgiri, was present in Port Victoria as a mark of friendship and solidarity. Today, INS Tarkash and INS Ikshak are docked at Port Victoria to celebrate the Golden Jubilee with you,' he said. The Prime Minister noted that the evolution of the bilateral relationship is rooted in a shared vision for a safer and more secure Indian Ocean region, encapsulated in the MAHASAGAR concept.
MAHASAGAR Vision: India's Global Maritime Doctrine
Unveiled by PM Modi in March 2025, MAHASAGAR stands for Mutual And Holistic Advancement for Security And Growth Across Regions. It represents India's expanded global maritime doctrine, shifting focus from a purely local Indian Ocean context to comprehensive global outreach. The vision aims to champion the Global South, strengthen ties with smaller states, enhance maritime domain awareness, and curb illegal activities. Modi affirmed, 'Our cooperation in maritime security, capacity building, hydrography and maritime domain awareness reflects our shared commitment to a safer and more secure Indian Ocean region. Our vision is captured in the idea of MAHASAGAR. This vision recognises that our futures are interconnected and interdependent, and we will continue to work together.'
Environmental and Economic Agenda for Shared Oceans
Beyond security, Modi articulated a forward-looking environmental and economic agenda. He called for deepening partnerships in fisheries, marine science, coastal management, renewable energy, and sustainable tourism. 'Together, we can build partnerships in fisheries, marine science, coastal management, renewable energy, and sustainable tourism. Let us work together to ensure that future generations inherit oceans that are healthier, safer, and more abundant than those we enjoy today,' he said. He praised Seychelles for leading the world in the Blue Economy and Blue Bonds long before they became global trends.
Inclusive World Order and Digital Cooperation
Modi touched on shared aspirations for a more inclusive world order, highlighting how India's G20 Presidency amplified Global South priorities, including the African Union's inclusion as a permanent G20 member. 'Seychelles and India both seek a world where development is more inclusive and international institutions reflect contemporary realities,' he noted. He also expressed interest in Seychelles' IGNITE youth internship initiative, offering to share India's expertise in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). 'India's DPI has demonstrated how technology can expand opportunity and improve governance, boost financial inclusion, and deliver services for hundreds of millions of people. We would be happy to share our experiences as you pursue your own digital transformation,' he said.
Training and People-to-People Ties
Modi highlighted a significant statistic: one in every 50 people in Seychelles has undergone some form of training in India. 'They have returned home with skills, friendships, and experiences that continue to strengthen our partnership today,' he said. He expressed confidence that the youth of Seychelles would embrace digital opportunities with the same determination that guided the first 50 years of independence. 'The last 50 years have been remarkable. But I firmly believe that the best chapters of the Seychelles story are yet to be written. And the best of our friendship is yet to come,' he added.
Guardian of the Blue Horizon Award
Earlier on June 28, President of Seychelles Patrick Herminie conferred upon PM Modi the distinction 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' for his green leadership, efforts to advance developing countries' interests, and commitment to promoting the Blue Economy, climate action, sustainable ocean resource management, and the developmental aspirations of Small Island Developing States. This was the first time the honour was bestowed, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. Modi dedicated the award to all countries committed to environmental conservation and fighting climate change, stating that the recognition, coinciding with 50 years of diplomatic relations, would further enhance the special friendship.
PM Modi is scheduled to attend Seychelles' Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations as Guest of Honour, marking 50 years of the country's independence from the United Kingdom in 1976.
