Victoria[Sychelles]: The Ministry of External Affairs said, PM Modi attended the 50th Independence Day celebrations of Seychelles as the Guest of Honour, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to be accorded this honour. The Indian Army marching contingent also participated in the National Day celebrations of Seychelles on June 29, 2026, commemorating the Golden Jubilee of the island nation’s independence.
In a post on X, Spokesperson of the MEA, Randhir Jaiswal said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the National Day celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Independence of Seychelles as the Guest of Honour, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to be accorded this honour. An Indian marching contingent comprising Navy and Army teams participated in the parade. An Indian Naval band also formed part of the Indian marching unit, underlining the close and special India-Seychelles partnership”.
Assam Rifles in Seychelles, INS Tarkash & INS Ikshak in Seychelles
“In a special gesture, INS Tarkash and INS Ikshak were docked at Port Victoria, highlighting India’s longstanding friendship with Seychelles. PM conveyed India’s warm wishes to the people of Seychelles on this historic occasion”, MEA statement further added.
Underlining the depth of partnership between India and Seychelles, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that an Assam Rifles contingent and an Indian Navy marching band would participate in the African island nation’s 50th Independance Day celebrations. Foreign Secretary informed that the participation of such units has been the tradition between the two countries. The Indian Army contingent comprised 32 personnel from the Assam Regiment and was led by Captain Aryan H. Deolekar.
PM Modi attended the National Day celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Seychelles’ Independence as the Guest of Honour, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to receive this distinction.
The occasion reflected the deep and enduring partnership between India and… pic.twitter.com/O5cLB6Qy57
— BJP (@BJP4India) June 29, 2026
In the earlier engagements of PM Modi in Seychelles, India gifted a fast patrol vessel named LESPWAR, which means hope in Creole, to the special Seychelles Defence Forces. In addition to this fast-patrol vessel, 10 utility vehicles and five laser radial boats were also handed over to the Seychelles Defence Forces to enhance their capabilities. This reflects the deepening defence and security cooperation between India and Seychelles to ensure maritime security & prosperity of the Indian Ocean Region(IOR).
India and Seychelles share longstanding historical ties that have evolved into a strong strategic partnership encompassing defence cooperation, development, culture and trade.
The participation of Indian Defence Forces contingents in the national celebrations of friendly countries symbolises mutual trust, military camaraderie and a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. Such engagements reinforce defence cooperation and underscore India’s role as a reliable partner in promoting peace, stability and security in the Indian Ocean Region.
Indian Defence Forces contingents have previously represented the nation at prominent international ceremonial events, including the 237th Bastille Day Parade in France in 2023, the Victory Day Parade in Bangladesh in 2021 and the Victory Day Parade in Russia in 2015 and 2020.
