PM Modi Receives Seychelles' Highest Environmental Award, Stresses Mutual Defence Ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Sunday conferred with the 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' award, a special presidential distinction of Seychelles, during his three-day State Visit to the island nation.
Mr. Modi dedicated the award to nations combating climate change challenges, stating that the Indian Ocean represents a shared home whose security, sustainability, and prosperity are collective responsibilities.
“We believe the Indian Ocean is our shared home; its security, sustainability, and prosperity are our shared responsibility,” the Prime Minister said in Seychelles.
He further added, “India envisions such Indian Ocean where maritime security is ensured alongside economic prosperity. Our vision is to make the Indian Ocean an Ocean of Opportunity.”
Highlighting cooperation in technology, Mr. Modi announced that India would share its successful experience in Digital Public Infrastructure with Seychelles.
On defence collaboration, he noted, “We believe the defence and security of India and Seychelles are integral to each other.”
The Prime Minister's remarks came after delegation-level talks with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie at the State House in Victoria on Sunday. The discussions aimed at further strengthening the longstanding bilateral partnership between the two countries.
The Indian delegation included External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal. The Seychelles side comprised Vice-President Sebastien Pillay, Principal Minister Wallace Cosgrow, Foreign Affairs Minister Barry Faure, and Finance Minister Pierre Laporte, among others.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi received a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the State House, where he was welcomed by President Herminie. The two leaders participated in formal ceremonial proceedings reflecting the close diplomatic ties.
Mr. Modi arrived in Victoria on Saturday afternoon and was personally received at the airport by President Herminie, along with several Cabinet Ministers and senior officials, in a gesture underscoring warm bilateral relations. The arrival ceremony featured cultural performances, including a traditional dance from Gujarat's Kutch region.
The Prime Minister's visit, from June 27 to June 29 at the invitation of President Herminie, will see him participate as the Guest of Honour at Seychelles' Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations on Monday, marking 50 years of independence from the United Kingdom in 1976.
On Saturday, Mr. Modi also visited the Seychelles National Botanical Garden as part of cultural and environmental engagements. In a key bilateral gesture, he handed over a 'Made in India' Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV), PS LESPWAR, along with six ambulances, 10 utility vehicles, and five laser-guided boats to Seychelles to enhance the island nation's maritime surveillance and Exclusive Economic Zone patrol capabilities.
The high-level handover ceremony was held at the Seychelles Coast Guard Base in Victoria in the presence of President Herminie. The FPV, manufactured by Goa Shipyard Limited, is expected to significantly strengthen Seychelles' maritime security capabilities.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the initiative reflects the growing strategic partnership between India and Seychelles, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region.
