Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday received a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the State House in Victoria as part of his three-day State Visit to Seychelles, reaffirming the strong and longstanding partnership between the two countries.
Prime Minister Modi was welcomed by Seychelles President Patrick Herminie at the State House, where the two leaders participated in the ceremonial proceedings marking the commencement of the day’s official engagements.
The Prime Minister is visiting Seychelles from June 27 to 29 at the invitation of President Herminie. During the visit, he will participate as the Guest of Honour at the country’s Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations on Monday, commemorating 50 years of Seychelles’ independence.
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Victoria on Saturday and was received at the airport by President Herminie, senior Cabinet ministers and other dignitaries. The ceremonial welcome also featured cultural performances, including a traditional dance from Kutch in Gujarat, presented by members of the Indian diaspora.
As part of his engagements on Saturday, the Prime Minister visited the Seychelles National Botanical Garden, where he and President Herminie participated in a joint tree plantation ceremony under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative. The two leaders also visited the Giant Tortoise Enclosure and highlighted the shared commitment of India and Seychelles towards biodiversity conservation and environmental protection.
Later, Prime Minister Modi handed over the Made-in-India Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) PS LESPWAR to Seychelles during a ceremony at the Seychelles Coast Guard Base. Built by Goa Shipyard Limited, the vessel is expected to strengthen Seychelles’ maritime surveillance and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) patrol capabilities.
The Prime Minister also handed over six ambulances, 10 utility vehicles and five laser radial boats to support Seychelles’ development and maritime security.
In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs said the transfer of the Fast Patrol Vessel reflects India’s commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation under its Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions). The Ministry said the assistance would further reinforce the growing defence partnership between India and Seychelles while contributing to peace, security and stability in the Indian Ocean Region.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit coincides with two significant milestones—the Golden Jubilee of Seychelles’ National Day and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles—underscoring the enduring partnership between the two countries.
-ANI
