Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday attended Seychelles' 50th Independence Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour, where he stood up in a mark of respect as Indian Army and Indian Navy contingents marched during the National Day parade, calling it a reflection of the enduring friendship between the two countries.
Sharing moments from the celebrations on social media, PM Modi wrote, "It was yet another reflection of the enduring friendship between India and Seychelles," highlighting the deep strategic and historical ties shared by the two nations.
The Indian contingent, comprising personnel from the Indian Army and the Indian Navy, participated in the parade alongside the Seychelles Defence Forces to commemorate the island nation's Golden Jubilee of Independence. Two Indian Navy ships were also part of the celebrations, underlining the strong maritime partnership between the two countries.
PM Modi's presence at the celebrations marked a historic occasion as his three-day State Visit coincided with both Seychelles' 50th Independence anniversary and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles.
During the visit, the Prime Minister also became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the National Assembly of Seychelles and the first recipient of the country's newly instituted highest honour, the Guardian of the Blue Horizon Presidential Distinction, recognising his leadership in sustainability, ocean governance and support for Small Island Developing States.
In bilateral talks with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie, India and Seychelles signed nine agreements covering areas such as extradition, digital payments, maritime cooperation, capacity building and development partnership. India also announced a Rs 1,250 crore Line of Credit and a special economic assistance package to support priority development projects in the island nation.
The Prime Minister also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora, praising them for strengthening people-to-people ties and serving as a bridge between the two countries. He reaffirmed India's commitment to deepening cooperation with Seychelles in maritime security, climate action, trade, digital connectivity and the Blue Economy.
The visit underscored India's strategic partnership with Seychelles and reaffirmed New Delhi's vision of the Indian Ocean as a region of shared security, prosperity and sustainable development.
