Victoria[Seychelles]: Marking a historic milestone in the bilateral relationship between India and Seychelles, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 28, Sunday addressed the National Assembly of Seychelles, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. This also marked the 20th parliament that PM Modi has addressed. During the address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Seychelles for its shared vision with India regarding the security and sustainability of the Indian Ocean, affirming that it “connects” the two nations.
Expressing his gratitude to the Speaker, PM Modi termed the invitation to address the House a “rare privilege”. He also congratulated the newly elected members of the 8th National Assembly and took a special moment to laud the election of the first woman Speaker of the August House.
Reflecting on his visit to Seychelles in 2015, he expressed pride in it being the first country in the Indian Ocean that he had paid an official visit to. He further said that Seychelles and India share a common vision towards the Indian Ocean and affirmed that this visit has cemented the goal. “It is a special honour to stand before you as the first Indian Prime Minister to address this National Assembly. I bring with me the warm greetings and best wishes of 1.4 billion people of India”, PM Modi stated.
Mon'n adres Lasanble Nasyonal Sesel ozordi.
Mon'n eksprim mon gratitid pour lakey salere ek lanmitye ofer par pep Seselwa.
Nou'n koz lo partenarya lonterm ant nou de nasyon ki ganny batir lo bann valer partaze.
Ti osi en loner pour enterakte avek bann manm Lasanble.… pic.twitter.com/dpcHYFuzSK
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 28, 2026
PM Modi further reflected on the enduring connection between India and Seychelles, framing the relationship as one that transcends official diplomacy and is rooted in centuries of shared history. Highlighting the origins of this partnership, Prime Minister Modi noted that the bond began long before the formal establishment of diplomatic ties 50 years ago. He pointed to the arrival of five Indians aboard the ship Thelemaque at Ste Anne Island in August 1770 as the foundational moment that paved the way for future generations to contribute to the story of modern Seychelles.
“It reminds us that the bonds between us were not created by government. They were built by people, nurtured by families and sustained by generations”, PM Modi added. Speaking at the National Assembly, The Prime Minister further emphasised the unique role of geography in the bilateral relationship, asserting that the Indian Ocean serves as a bridge rather than a barrier between the two nations. “The Indian Ocean made this possible. The Indian Ocean does not separate India and Seychelles. It connects us. That is why we meet not as strangers, but as old friends”, he added.
Maritime & defence cooperation central to bilateral partnership
In his address to the National Assembly of Seychelles, Prime Minister Modi placed maritime, defence and strategic cooperation at the heart of the bilateral relationship noting that while the last fifty years have seen many global shifts, the commitment between the defence forces of India and Seychelles remains “unchanged”. “For decades, our defence forces, coast guards and maritime agencies have trained and worked closely together”, PM Modi said. He highlighted that India deeply values the role Seychelles plays in safeguarding its vast maritime domain and the wider Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
He affirmed that the INS Tarkash and INS Ikshak, currently docked at Port Victoria offers a powerful reminder of the depth of our partnership. PM Modi emphasised that the evolution of this bilateral relationship is rooted in a shared vision for a safer and more secure Indian Ocean region, the MAHASAGAR vision.
“Our cooperation in maritime security, capacity building, hydrography and maritime domain awareness reflects our shared commitment to a safer and more secure Indian Ocean region. Our vision is captured in the idea of ‘MAHASAGAR’. This vision recognises that our futures are interconnected and interdependent, and we will continue to work together for a safer and more secure Indian Ocean region”, the Prime Minister affirmed.
In the address to the National Assembly, PM Modi further praised Seychelles for leading the world in the ‘Blue Economy’ and ‘Blue Bonds’ long before they became global trends. Beyond security, the PM articulated a forward-looking environmental and economic agenda aimed at preserving the shared ocean for future generations. He called for the deepening of partnerships in fisheries, marine science, coastal management, renewable energy and sustainable tourism.
Collaboration on Digital Public Infrastructure(DPI)
Expressing interest in Seychelles IGNITE initiative for youth, PM Modi offered to share India’s expertise in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). “I was delighted to learn about your IGNITE initiative to provide internships for the youth. It is an excellent framework and we can explore new avenues for cooperation in this sector”, he said.
“India’s DPI has demonstrated how technology can expand opportunity and improve governance, boost financial inclusion and deliver services for hundreds of millions of people. We would be happy to share our experiences as you pursue your own digital transformation”, PM Modi told the Assembly. A key focus area for such cooperation can be in digital innovation.
“The last 50 years have been remarkable. But I firmly believe that the best chapters of the Seychelles story are yet to be written. And the best of our friendship is yet to come”, PM Modi further reiterated.
PM Modi advocated climate justice; Refuted dispropotionate burden on Global South
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the National Parliament of Seychelles, strongly advocating for “climate justice” and emphasising that the Global South, particularly island nations, should not bear the disproportionate burden of climate change. He also highlighted the deep bilateral and strategic ties between India and Seychelles, while calling for a more inclusive global order and institutional reforms in international institutions to reflect contemporary realities.
In his address to the members of the Seychelles Parliament, PM Modi said, “We both firmly believe that those who have contributed the least to climate change should not bear the greatest burden of its consequences. Climate action must be guided by fairness, responsibility and equity. This is the essence of climate justice”. He also detailed India’s domestic and global efforts to combat the crisis.
He noted that over the last decade, New Delhi has undertaken one of the world’s largest expansions of renewable energy while championing sustainable lifestyles through ‘Mission LiFE’ (Lifestyle for Environment). PM Modi further referenced key international platforms spearheaded or supported by India, including the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), the Global Biofuel Alliance and the green campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (a tree for mother).
Reassuring the island nation of India’s unwavering support, PM Modi added, “India is committed to continue working with Seychelles to ensure that the concerns of small island developing states receive the attention they deserve”.
International institutions should reflect geopolitical realities
Turning to global governance and multilateralism, the Prime Minister emphasised that both India and Seychelles should seek a world where development is more inclusive and where international institutions reflect modern geopolitical realities. “We believe that our shared future must be shaped collectively, inclusively and fairly”, PM Modi observed. He noted that this core belief guided India’s approach during its G20 Presidency.
He recalled India’s diplomatic efforts to position the priorities of developing countries at the centre of global discourse, culminating in a historic expansion of the bloc. “It was in this spirit that we worked to place the priorities of the Global South at the center of international discussions. And it was in this spirit that we welcomed the African Union as a permanent member of the G20”, Pm Modi said.
Concluding his address, PM Modi asserted that this collective spirit unites the Global South and remains the driving vision that India and Seychelles will continue to advance together on the world stage. In his remarks, PM Modi assured unwavering commitment to the strength of ties with Seychelles and said, “India will remain your trusted partner. We will celebrate your achievements. We will support your aspirations and we will stand beside you as friends”.
(With Inputs from ANI)
