Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday visited the National Botanical Garden in Victoria along with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie as part of his official State Visit to the island nation. The visit came shortly after his arrival in Seychelles to attend the country’s Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations as Guest of Honour.
During the visit, the two leaders toured the botanical garden and interacted with staff members who explained the diverse flora and fauna of the facility. Prime Minister Modi was seen feeding giant tortoises, including “Jonathan,” a 194-year-old tortoise widely regarded as the world’s oldest living land animal. The interaction drew attention as a symbolic highlight of the visit.
The leaders also planted a tree inside the botanical garden, underscoring themes of environmental conservation and sustainability. Officials said the visit reflected shared priorities between India and Seychelles in biodiversity protection and ecological cooperation, particularly in the context of island ecosystems vulnerable to climate change.
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Prime Minister Modi’s arrival in Seychelles was marked by a ceremonial welcome at the airport, where President Herminie and senior government officials received him. Cultural performances, including a traditional dance from Kutch, were presented by members of the Indian diaspora, highlighting the cultural links between the two countries.
Modi described the welcome as a reflection of strong people-to-people ties and said the Indian community abroad plays an important role in preserving cultural heritage. He also noted that Seychelles remains a valued maritime partner for India in the Indian Ocean Region, with cooperation extending across security, trade, and development sectors.
The visit to the botanical garden formed part of broader diplomatic engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. Officials said discussions during the trip are expected to further deepen cooperation between India and Seychelles, particularly in maritime security, environmental sustainability, and regional stability.
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