'Valued maritime partner': PM Modi kicks off Seychelles visit with Botanical Garden stop

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Seychelles on Saturday for a three-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.

Soon after landing, the Prime Minister shared a message on social media platform X, describing Seychelles as a "valued maritime partner" and a "close friend in the Indian Ocean."

PM Modi said he was grateful for the warm welcome extended to him at the airport by Seychelles President Dr Patrick Herminie. He expressed confidence that the visit would further deepen the longstanding partnership between the two countries.

"Landed in Seychelles. Deeply appreciate the warm welcome extended at the airport by Dr. Patrick Herminie. Seychelles is a valued maritime partner and a close friend in the Indian Ocean. Looking forward to a productive visit aimed at further strengthening our longstanding ties and enhancing cooperation for the benefit of the people of our nations," the Prime Minister posted on X.

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Visit to National Botanical Garden

Shortly after arriving in Seychelles, PM Modi visited National Botanical Garden and planted a a sapling of the rare ‘Coco de Mer’ palm in the garden.

The Ministry of External Affairs described the plantation as a part of ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative- a flagship plantation drive launched by PM Modi in India.

"The tree planting is part of ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative and reflects the shared India-Seychelles commitment towards sustainability and environmental stewardship," MEA said in a social media post.

Guest of Honour at National Day celebrations

The visit, which will continue until June 29, comes at the invitation of President Patrick Herminie. PM Modi will attend the golden jubilee celebrations of Seychelles' National Day as the Guest of Honour.

This year is also significant as India and Seychelles are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The two countries have maintained close ties based on mutual trust, democratic values and strong people-to-people connections.

In his departure statement before leaving India, PM Modi described Seychelles as a valued maritime neighbour and a key partner in India's Vision Mahasagar and its shared commitment to the Global South.

Focus on maritime cooperation

During the visit, the PM is expected to hold bilateral talks with President Herminie to review the full range of India-Seychelles ties. Maritime security, regional cooperation and development partnership are expected to be among the key issues on the agenda.

PM Modi has said he is confident that the visit will strengthen the longstanding relationship between the two countries, enhance maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean and advance their shared vision of a secure, peaceful and prosperous region.

The visit also underlines India's continued engagement with island nations in the Indian Ocean under the Mahasagar vision, which focuses on regional security, sustainable development and deeper strategic cooperation.

Historic address to Parliament

Apart from attending official ceremonies, PM Modi will become the first Indian Prime Minister to address the National Assembly of Seychelles. Calling it a historic opportunity, he said the address reflects the strong democratic traditions and parliamentary values shared by the two countries.

PM Modi is also scheduled to interact with the Indian community in Seychelles. In his departure statement, he described the diaspora as a living bridge between the two nations and acknowledged its contribution to strengthening the longstanding friendship between India and Seychelles.

The visit is expected to give fresh momentum to bilateral relations as both countries seek to deepen cooperation across maritime security, development, trade and regional connectivity in the Indian Ocean.