Modi starts Seychelles visit with Botanical Garden tour, signals push for vision MAHASAGAR
Victoria (Seychelles): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday began his three-day State Visit to Seychelles, placing India's Vision MAHASAGAR initiative and strategic partnership in the Indian Ocean at the forefront of discussions with the island nation.
Soon after arriving in the Seychelles capital, Modi and Seychelles President Patrick Herminie visited the National Botanical Garden in Victoria, where the two leaders planted a commemorative sapling and toured the conservation facility. They also interacted with officials and staff, who briefed them on the country's distinctive biodiversity and conservation efforts.
The visit comes as Seychelles celebrates 50 years of independence, with Modi attending the Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour at the invitation of President Herminie.
Welcomed with a ceremonial Guard of Honour upon arrival, the Prime Minister described Seychelles as one of India's closest partners in the Indian Ocean and an important pillar of New Delhi's regional engagement.
Ahead of the visit, Modi underscored Seychelles' significance in India's Vision MAHASAGAR, Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions, which seeks to strengthen maritime cooperation, regional stability and sustainable development across the Indian Ocean.
The visit is expected to provide fresh momentum to bilateral ties, with the two sides set to review cooperation across defence, maritime security, capacity building, development partnerships and people-to-people exchanges. Regional and global issues of mutual concern are also expected to figure prominently in the discussions.
As part of the National Day celebrations, an Indian Armed Forces contingent and two Indian Navy vessels will participate in ceremonial events, highlighting the expanding defence partnership between the two countries.
Modi is also scheduled to address the National Assembly of Seychelles and engage with members of the Indian diaspora during the visit.
With agency inputs