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PM’s historic three-day State Visit to Seychelles
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid a historic three-day State Visit to Seychelles from June 27 to June 29, 2026, at the invitation of President Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan. The visit marked a significant milestone in India-Seychelles relations as both countries celebrated 50 years of diplomatic ties. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the visit reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between the two maritime nations and laid the foundation for deeper cooperation in security, development, digital connectivity, climate resilience, and the blue economy.
Seychelles is a very important member and a very important partner for India in its vision MAHASAGAR, which is mutual and holistic advancement for security and growth across regions, as well as in India’s commitment to the Global South. This is a relationship that is long-standing, that is historical. It was referenced several times that dating back of course to the arrival of the first people from the Indian subcontinent as far back as 1770.
The visit was accorded the highest ceremonial honours by the Government of Seychelles, reflecting the warmth and trust that characterize bilateral relations. Prime Minister Shri Modi held extensive discussions with President Ramkalawan and other senior leaders on regional and global issues, with particular emphasis on maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region, sustainable development, and enhancing economic cooperation. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership and ensuring a free, open, secure, and inclusive Indian Ocean.
1,250 crore Line of Credit by India
One of the major highlights of the visit was the announcement of a new Rs. 1,250 crore Line of Credit by India to support priority development projects in Seychelles. This financial assistance demonstrates India’s continued commitment to being a reliable development partner for Seychelles. The credit line will facilitate infrastructure development, capacity building, and projects that contribute to the country’s long-term socio-economic growth. India also reaffirmed its readiness to extend technical expertise and developmental assistance in sectors identified by the Seychellois government.
Bilateral agreements and MoUs
The two countries signed nine bilateral agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering a wide range of sectors. These included cooperation in maritime security, legal assistance, digital payments, health, education, and capacity building. A landmark achievement was the introduction of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Seychelles, making it one of the latest countries to adopt India’s globally recognized digital payment system. The rollout of UPI is expected to promote financial inclusion, facilitate tourism, and strengthen business-to-business transactions between the two nations.
Maritime cooperation remained a central pillar of the discussions. India reiterated its commitment to supporting Seychelles in enhancing its maritime domain awareness and coastal security capabilities. As part of this commitment, India gifted a Fast Patrol Vessel, ten utility vehicles, and five sets of laser rangefinders to the Seychelles Defence Forces. These initiatives are intended to strengthen the country’s ability to safeguard its maritime territory, combat illegal fishing, piracy, and other transnational maritime challenges. Both sides recognized that peace and stability in the Indian Ocean are essential for regional prosperity and sustainable development.
Climate change and environmental sustainability also featured prominently during the visit. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi reiterated India’s support for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), emphasizing the importance of climate resilience, renewable energy, disaster preparedness, and ocean conservation. He highlighted India’s MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision as the guiding framework for deeper maritime cooperation. The initiative seeks to promote collective security, sustainable utilization of marine resources, and regional collaboration in addressing common challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation.
Recognizing his contribution to strengthening bilateral relations and advancing global efforts for ocean conservation, Prime Minister Modi was conferred Seychelles’ prestigious honour, the “Guardian of the Blue Horizon.” Accepting the award, he dedicated the recognition to all nations working collectively to combat climate change and protect marine ecosystems. The honour symbolizes the growing convergence between India and Seychelles on environmental sustainability and responsible stewardship of the oceans.
People-to-people ties also received considerable attention. The leaders discussed expanding cooperation in education, healthcare, skill development, culture, and tourism. India reaffirmed its commitment to capacity-building initiatives through scholarships, professional training, and technical assistance for Seychellois citizens. These initiatives are expected to deepen human resource development and strengthen the enduring friendship between the people of the two countries.
Seychelles a key partner
India considers Seychelles a key partner in its Vision SAGAR and MAHASAGAR frameworks. The visit demonstrated India’s broader commitment to the Indian Ocean Region by promoting inclusive development, maritime security, digital innovation, and sustainable economic growth. Officials noted that the agreements concluded during the visit would provide fresh momentum to bilateral cooperation while reinforcing India’s role as a trusted and dependable partner in the region.
Prime Minister Modi honoured with ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’ Presidential Distinction
At a special ceremony, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was on 28 June conferred with a Presidential Distinction – ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’ by the President of Seychelles, H.E. Dr. Patrick Herminie. The honour has been conferred upon Prime Minister for his green leadership, and efforts towards advancing the interests of developing countries and his longstanding commitment towards promoting the Blue Economy, climate action, sustainable management of ocean resources, and the developmental aspirations of Small Island Developing States. This is the first time that this distinguished honour has been bestowed.
Prime Minister dedicated the honour to all the countries who are committed to environmental conservation and fighting climate change. He underlined that the recognition, at a time when both countries are celebrating 50 years of their diplomatic relations, would go a long way in further enhancing the special friendship. The honour acknowledges Prime Minister’s longstanding commitment towards a greener planet, including the International Solar Alliance, Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (Plant for Mother), International Big Cat Alliance, among others. This recognition is the latest in a series of such honours bestowed upon Prime Minister for promoting sustainable development, including the Agricola Medal by FAO, Seoul Peace Prize and the UN Champion of the Earth Award.
The honour underscores the importance attached by Seychelles to India’s growing role as a trusted partner in supporting capacity building, environmental action, sustainable development initiatives, and advancing shared priorities across the Indian Ocean Region.
PM Modi addresses to the National Assembly of Seychelles
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the National Assembly of Seychelles on June 28, 2026, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. The address marked a historic milestone during Seychelles’ Golden Jubilee celebrations, commemorating 50 years of independence and reaffirming the enduring friendship between India and Seychelles.
The Prime Minister highlighted the centuries-old cultural and historical ties between the two nations, recalling that Indians were among the earliest settlers in Seychelles in the 18th century. He emphasized that the Indian Ocean serves as a bridge connecting the two countries, fostering people-to-people relations and shared values of unity in diversity.
Underscoring the strategic importance of bilateral relations, the Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening cooperation in maritime security, defence, hydrography, and capacity building. He introduced the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), aimed at promoting peace, security, and sustainable development across the Indian Ocean region.