Grand Welcome Awaits PM Modi As Three-Day Seychelles Visit Officially Begins Today
PM Modi begins Seychelles visit with ceremonial welcome today.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Seychelles on Saturday for a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation in the strategically important Indian Ocean region. Invited by Seychelles President Patrick Herminie, Modi will participate as the Guest of Honour in the island nation's Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations and hold high-level talks with the country's leadership. His visit underscores India's continued engagement with key maritime partners under its regional strategic initiatives.
Modi received a ceremonial welcome upon landing at Seychelles International Airport, where President Herminie personally welcomed him along with a high-level government delegation. The Indian prime minister was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour before beginning his official engagements. The reception highlighted the close diplomatic relationship between the two countries, which have maintained longstanding cooperation in areas including maritime security, defence, infrastructure development, healthcare and capacity building.
Soon after his arrival, Modi expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed the importance of India's partnership with Seychelles. "Landed in Seychelles. Deeply appreciate the warm welcome extended at the airport by Dr. Patrick Herminie," he wrote in a post on X. Describing Seychelles as "a valued maritime partner and a close friend in the Indian Ocean," the prime minister said he looked forward to a productive visit focused on further strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation for the benefit of the people of both countries.
Also Read: PM Modi To Meet World's Oldest Living Animal During Landmark Seychelles Visit This Week
Ahead of his departure from New Delhi, Modi emphasised the strategic significance of Seychelles in India's regional vision. He described the island nation as a valued maritime neighbour and an important partner in India's "Vision MAHASAGAR"—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. The initiative reflects India's broader approach to promoting regional security, sustainable development and deeper cooperation with countries in the Indian Ocean while reinforcing its commitment to the Global South.
During the visit, Modi is expected to hold bilateral discussions with President Herminie on a wide range of issues, including maritime security, trade, investment, climate resilience, blue economy initiatives and development cooperation. The leaders are also expected to review the progress of ongoing India-supported projects in Seychelles and explore opportunities for expanding collaboration in areas such as digital connectivity, renewable energy, healthcare and education. Modi's participation in the Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations is expected to further strengthen people-to-people ties between the two nations.
India and Seychelles have enjoyed close diplomatic relations for decades, with New Delhi playing an important role in supporting the island nation's development through infrastructure projects, defence cooperation and technical assistance. Seychelles occupies a strategically significant position in the western Indian Ocean, making it an important partner in regional maritime security and stability. Modi's visit is expected to reinforce this partnership while advancing India's broader engagement with island nations in the Indo-Pacific and reaffirming its commitment to collaborative growth, security and sustainable development across the region.
Also Read: US Diplomat Highlights Strong India–US Ties Under Trump And PM Modi Leadership