New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 27, Saturday embarked for Victoria, Seychelles, where he will undertake a two-day state visit to participate in the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the country’s National Day as the Guest of Honour. “Leaving for Seychelles, where I will take part in their National Day celebrations. This year, it is even more special because it is the Golden Jubilee celebrations. Seychelles is a valued maritime neighbour and a key partner in our Vision MAHASAGAR, as well as in advancing the interests of the Global South”, PM Modi stated before departure to the Indian Ocean country.
“I look forward to discussions with my friend, Dr. Patrick Herminie, President of the Republic of Seychelles. I am honoured to be addressing the National Assembly of Seychelles during the visit. I also look forward to meeting the Indian community there”, the PM further posted on the X social media platform. The Prime Minister’s visit from June 27 to June 29 comes at the invitation of Seychelles President Patrick Herminie and is aimed at further strengthening the longstanding partnership between the two Indian Ocean partners.
PM Modi stated that the visit would provide an opportunity for both countries to further deepen their longstanding partnership and work together to advance the progress of their people while promoting security and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region. “Building on the successful State visit of President Herminie to India in February 2026, I look forward to our discussions aimed at further strengthening our enduring friendship, the Prime Minister said.
Leaving for Seychelles, where I will take part in their National Day celebrations. This year, it is even more special because it is the Golden Jubilee celebrations.
Seychelles is a valued maritime neighbour and a key partner in our Vision MAHASAGAR, as well as in advancing the…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 27, 2026
During the visit, PM Modi will hold talks with President Herminie to review the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. The Prime Minister will also become the first Indian Prime Minister to address the National Assembly of Seychelles. The visit holds special significance as India and Seychelles are marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, which are rooted in mutual trust, shared democratic values, respect for diversity and deep people-to-people ties.
A contingent of the Indian Armed Forces, along with two Indian Navy ships, will also participate in the Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations, highlighting the close defence and maritime cooperation between the two countries. PM Modi’s visit is thus expected to further deepen bilateral ties, enhance maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region and reinforce the shared vision of a secure, peaceful and prosperous region.
An impetus to strengthen cooperation across tourism, maritime security & space sector
Expressing optimism over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day state visit to the East African island nation, Seychelles Foreign Minister Barry Faure said that the Prime Minister’s visit is expected to further strengthen the tourism sector, with several agreements likely to be signed in areas including maritime security, space cooperation, cybersecurity and mutual legal assistance.
Speaking to ANI ahead of PM Modi’s arrival in the country, Faure said the agreements would expand cooperation between the two countries beyond traditional areas and cover emerging sectors of mutual interest. Highlighting the economic potential of India-Seychelles relations, Faure said there is significant scope to expand trade and tourism cooperation between the two countries. “Seychelles has natural resources and export capacity, while India offers a large tourism and consumer market”, he said.
Describing tourism as a key pillar of Seychelles’ economy, Faure said the sector contributes around 30 per cent of the country’s GDP and expressed hope that Prime Minister Modi’s visit would enhance the island nation’s visibility globally, given PM Modi’s global reach and influence. “We already have IndiGo operating four flights per week between Mumbai and Seychelles. However, we are exploring the possibility of expanding connectivity to other Indian cities, particularly Delhi”, the Seychelles Foreign Minister reiterated.
The Seychelles Foreign Minister also said discussions have begun on establishing direct shipping links between the two countries, an initiative that began during Seychelles President Patrick Herminie’s visit to India in February. On the broader strategic environment in the Indian Ocean region, Faure said the area has increasingly become a centre of trade competition while also facing growing security challenges.
“The Indian Ocean has increasingly become a region of trade competition, along with rising security risks. We have faced piracy in the past and we continue to see regional events in the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea that directly impact Seychelles”, he further added.
Seychelles backs permanent seat for India at UNSC
Seychelles Foreign Minister Barry Faure backed India’s candidature for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), saying New Delhi deserves a place at the global body’s top decision-making forum, given its population, international role and contributions to peace and security, particularly in the maritime paradigm. Speaking to ANI ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival in the East African island nation, Faure said the current global order and international institutions need reforms to better reflect contemporary realities, with greater representation for countries and regions that remain underrepresented.
“The global order established in 1945 needs reform. International institutions must better reflect today’s realities. There is a strong need for more balanced representation, particularly for countries like India and regions like Africa, which currently lack permanent representation in key global institutions”, he said. “India deserves a permanent seat at the UN Security Council given its population, global role and contributions to peacekeeping, maritime security and multilateral diplomacy”, the Seychelles Foreign Minister added.
Faure said Seychelles supports India’s bid for a permanent UNSC seat, adding that India’s inclusion would contribute towards greater balance and stability in global affairs.
Visit marks greater momentum to defence & security ties
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Seychelles, Indian High Commissioner to Seychelles Rohit Rathish expressed confidence that the visit would give a fresh boost to bilateral cooperation between the two sides, particularly in the areas of defence and security, while further strengthening the longstanding partnership between the two countries.
Speaking to ANI, Rathish described the Prime Minister’s visit as “a historic milestone” in India-Seychelles relations. “India and Seychelles enjoy very deep-rooted and historic ties with cultural affinities. We inhabit a shared region and also share the values of democracy and the rule of law. These are the anchors of our bilateral partnership”, he said. “With this visit, I think we will see a greater impetus on defence and security,” the envoy added, underscoring the significance of the visit in the strategic domain.
Highlighting the historical connection between the two nations, the High Commissioner said their relationship stretches back over two centuries. “Our destinies have been intertwined for 250 years. The bilateral partnership, the diplomatic relations, are but the latest chapter in this relationship”, Rathish said.
He further expressed optimism about the outcomes of the visit, noting that both countries are looking to elevate their cooperation across multiple sectors.
The Envoy also indicated that several development initiatives could be unveiled during the visit. “We are looking to hopefully inaugurate a few of the projects on both the civilian side as well as on the defence and security aspects as well”, he said. As a key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region, Seychelles occupies a special place in India’s Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and New Delhi’s commitment to the Global South.
Meanwhile, ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the East African island nation of Seychelles, the capital city of Victoria has taken on a festive look, with prominent welcome posters put up across the Victoria-Mahe area by the Indian diaspora. The vibrant posters, carrying messages such as “Byenveni Modi”, “Welcome Modi”, “Indian Diaspora Welcomes Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi” etc. have been installed at key locations across the city, reflecting the excitement among the Indian community and the warm reception being prepared for the visiting leader.
(With Inputs from ANI)
