Watch: PM Modi offers prayers at Seychelles' Arulmigu Navasakthi Vinayagar temple

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday visited the Arulmigu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple in Victoria, Seychelles, where he offered prayers and highlighted the deep cultural and civilisational ties between India and the East African island nation.

Describing the temple as one of the most prominent Hindu places of worship in Seychelles, PM Modi prayed for peace, prosperity and well-being for all.

"Prayed at the Arulmigu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple in Victoria, the prominent Hindu temple of Seychelles. May Bhagwan Shri Ganesh bless everyone with wisdom, strength and prosperity," PM Modi said in a post after the visit.

The Prime Minister also appreciated the efforts of the Seychelles Hindu Kovil Sangam in building and maintaining the temple while promoting Indian culture and spirituality in the country.

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"I would like to appreciate the Seychelles Hindu Kovil Sangam for their efforts towards the building of the Arulmigu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple and for popularising different aspects of Indian culture and spirituality in Seychelles," he said.

The temple visit was part of PM Modi's broader engagements aimed at strengthening the centuries-old cultural and people-to-people links between India and Seychelles, which is home to a vibrant Indian-origin community.

Earlier, the Prime Minister attended the Golden Jubilee celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Seychelles' Independence as the Guest of Honour.

Addressing the occasion, PM Modi said it was an honour to participate in the historic celebrations and congratulated the people of Seychelles on the nation's remarkable journey over the past five decades.

He reaffirmed India's commitment to its partnership with Seychelles, describing the island nation as a trusted friend and development partner.

"India is proud to stand alongside Seychelles as a trusted friend and partner in its development journey. Our partnership continues to grow stronger with shared values and closer people-to-people ties. I am confident our friendship will grow even further in the times to come," the Prime Minister said.

PM Modi also thanked Seychelles President Dr Patrick Herminie, the government and the people of Seychelles for inviting him to participate in the landmark event.

Highlighting the strong defence partnership between the two countries, PM Modi noted that contingents from the Assam Regiment of the Indian Army and the Indian Navy took part in the National Day parade.

He said their participation reflected the enduring friendship and growing strategic partnership between India and Seychelles, underlining the close cooperation that extends beyond diplomacy to cultural, defence and people-to-people relations.