Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Parliament of Seychelles, where he underlined the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean and reiterated India’s commitment to maritime security in the region.
Addressing the 8th National Assembly during his three-day State visit, PM Modi said the Indian Ocean “does not separate, but connects India and Seychelles,” while stressing that the security and prosperity of the two countries are closely intertwined.
“As maritime neighbours, we recognise that the security of one adds to the security of the other. The prosperity of one contributes to the prosperity of the other. The stability of the region benefits us all,” PM Modi said.
“Our cooperation in maritime security and capacity building reflects our shared commitment to a safer and more secure Indian Ocean Region,” he added.
Drawing a historical parallel, the Prime Minister recalled India’s support for Seychelles at the time of its independence.
“Fifty years ago, at the dawn of your independence, the Indian Naval Ship INS Nilgiri was present in Port Victoria as a mark of friendship and solidarity. Today, as you celebrate your Golden Jubilee, INS Ikshak and INS Tarkash are docked at Port Victoria,” PM Modi said, adding that while five decades have passed, India’s commitment has remained unchanged.
Seychelles gained independence from Great Britain on June 29, 1976, after more than 160 years of British rule. The islands, claimed by France in 1756 and later ceded to Britain under the Treaty of Paris in 1814, became a separate British Crown Colony in 1903.
Recalling his previous visit to the island nation, the PM said, “The first country in the Indian Ocean region that I visited as Prime Minister was Seychelles in 2015… I came here because I believe that Seychelles occupied a special place in India’s vision for the Indian Ocean. As I return here after a decade, that conviction is stronger than ever. I’m delighted to join you as you celebrate 50 years of your independence.”
Highlighting the cultural ties between the two countries, the Prime Minister praised Seychelles’ multicultural identity.
“The greatest strength of Seychelles is its people. Over generations, people from all parts of the world arrived here. They brought with them different languages, customs, beliefs, and traditions, and together they built a shared identity that is proudly Seychellois. Your National Assembly motto says ‘Unity in Diversity’. This can be heard in the melodies of Creole music and seen in the rhythm of the Moutya dance during Festival Creole, when the nation celebrates the richness of its heritage,” he said.
Referring to the shared cultural influences, Prime Minister Modi added, “The connections between our cultures are visible in everyday life. They can be felt in the flavours of kharik, samosa, and chutney. They can be found in the celebrations of Deepavali, Thai Pongal, and the Garba dance during Navratri. This is the Creole spirit that gives us great confidence in the future of our friendship.”
The Indian Prime Minister also praised the Seychelles Defence Forces and Coast Guard for their role in safeguarding the country’s maritime domain, saying India’s cooperation in maritime security, capacity building and hydrography reflects the two countries’ shared commitment to a secure Indian Ocean.
Emphasising Seychelles’ strategic significance, he said, “When people look at a map they may see Seychelles as a group of islands in the Indian Ocean but we see something much greater, we see a nation whose horizons stretch far beyond its shore.”
Pointing out that Seychelles’ maritime territory spans nearly 1.4 million square kilometres in the western Indian Ocean, Modi said this makes it “not a small island State but a large ocean country.”
PM Modi is on a three-day State visit to Seychelles from June 27 to 29 at the invitation of President Patrick Herminie. He is also scheduled to attend the country’s Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour, marking 50 years of Seychelles’ independence.
(ANI)
