Prime Minister Modi Embarks on Seychelles Visit for National Day Celebrations
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has landed in Seychelles for a pivotal three-day State Visit, kicking off celebrations for the island nation's Golden Jubilee National Day and marking 50 years of robust diplomatic ties between India and Seychelles. Arriving as the Guest of Honour, PM Modi is set to engage in high-level bilateral discussions with President Dr. Patrick Herminie, signaling a deepening of strategic cooperation in the crucial Indian Ocean region. This visit is a powerful reaffirmation of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and its commitment to maritime security in the region. The timing couldn't be more strategic, following President Herminie's own successful visit to India just months prior in February 2026, which saw the adoption of the 'Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth, and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL)'. This comprehensive framework is designed to boost cooperation across key areas like the blue economy, climate resilience, digital transformation, and crucially, maritime security, where India has been a steadfast partner, even gifting a Fast Patrol Vessel, ambulances, and utility vehicles recently. India's unwavering focus on its Vision MAHASAGAR, which positions Seychelles as a vital pillar for security and growth across the region, underscores the visit's geopolitical weight amid increasing global interest in the Indian Ocean. Beyond the festivities, which will include an Indian defence forces contingent and two Indian Navy ships participating in the National Day parade, Modi is slated to make history by becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Seychelles National Assembly. This signals a profound respect for shared democratic values and an intention to solidify parliamentary cooperation. Discussions with the vibrant Indian community in Seychelles are also on the agenda, further cementing cultural ties. The coming days will likely see announcements on concrete steps to implement the SESEL vision, setting a clear course for enhanced bilateral and regional collaboration for years to come.