PM Modi holds high-level talks in Seychelles; conferred ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’ honour

Victoria (Seychelles): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said India envisions an Indian Ocean region where maritime security goes hand in hand with economic prosperity, and where partnerships are built on mutual respect and trust rather than size or power.

Addressing a joint statement after delegation-level talks with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie, Modi said, “Our vision is to make the Indian Ocean an Ocean of Opportunity.” The two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

“We believe the Indian Ocean is our shared home. Its security, sustainability and prosperity are our shared responsibility,” he said.

Modi, who arrived in Seychelles on Saturday on a three-day official visit, added that both sides discussed making bilateral economic cooperation more resilient and future-ready. “We will continue to explore new opportunities for the industries of both our countries. Work will also be done to enhance connectivity between India and Seychelles,” he said.

Seychelles President Patrick Herminie, on the other hand, said that the island nation reaffirmed its special place in India’s MAHASAGAR vision and welcomed discussions on India’s proposed Special Economic Package (SEP) worth USD 175 million during talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Herminie pointed out that maritime security in the Indian Ocean remains central to India-Seychelles relations. “As maritime neighbours, security in the Indian Ocean region remains central to our relationship. We reaffirmed Seychelles' special place in India's MAHASAGAR vision. We affirmed our commitment to counter piracy, drug trafficking, illegal fishing and cross-border crime,” he said.

The Seychelles President acknowledged India’s support in strengthening Seychelles’ maritime capabilities through surveillance, hydrography and defence capacity building, including the refit of PS Zoroaster and the gifting of the fast attack vessel PS Lespwar to the Seychelles Coast Guard.

Highlighting development cooperation, the President said India-Seychelles ties continue to align with the island nation’s priorities. He welcomed discussions on the announcement of the USD 175 million Special Economic Package from India, which includes a USD 125 million rupee-denominated Line of Credit and USD 50 million in grant assistance.

MAHASAGAR is India’s expanded vision for the Global South, standing for "Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions." It focuses on trade, capacity building and maritime security cooperation across regions.

PM Modi receives “Guardian of the Blue Horizon’ title

PM Modi on Sunday was conferred the honorary title of “Guardian of the Blue Horizon” by Seychelles President Patrick Herminie. It is the highest distinction of the country for leadership in sustainable development and environmental conservation. This marked the Prime Minister’s 34th international honour from a foreign country.

Modi thanked the people and government of Seychelles for the recognition and said he dedicated the honour to nations battling the challenges of climate change. “Grateful to the people and Government of Seychelles as well as President Herminie for conferring upon me the ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’,” he posted on social media after receiving the award.

“I humbly accept this honour and dedicate it to all those countries that are fighting the challenge of climate change and consider environmental protection their responsibility towards future generations. This is a pressing challenge which we have to overcome together,” he said.

The Prime Minister added that India is committed to building a greener and more sustainable planet. “This is reflected in our various domestic policies, emphasis on Mission LiFE and global efforts like the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and more,” he said.

Prime Minister Modi is on a three-day visit to Seychelles from June 27–29, during which he is holding delegation-level talks and attending the country’s Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations marking 50 years of independence.

(With agency inputs)