Lagatar24 Desk
Victoria, Seychelles: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a three-day state visit to Seychelles, was conferred the country’s special presidential distinction ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’ on Sunday, June 28, and held delegation-level talks with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie, reaffirming that India envisions the Indian Ocean as a shared space of security, sustainability, and prosperity.
Indian Ocean Is Our Shared Home, Says Modi
Speaking after the delegation-level talks at the State House, PM Modi said India’s vision is to make the Indian Ocean an Ocean of Opportunity, where maritime security and economic prosperity go hand in hand and where partnerships are built on mutual respect and trust rather than the size of nations. He said the defence and security of India and Seychelles are integral to each other and announced that India will share its successful experience in Digital Public Infrastructure with Seychelles while also working to enhance connectivity between the two countries.
‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’ Award Dedicated to Climate-Fighting Nations
The ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’ is Seychelles’ highest distinction for leadership in environmental conservation and sustainable development. PM Modi dedicated the honour to all nations combating the challenges of climate change.
Delegation-Level Talks Cover Full Spectrum of Bilateral Cooperation
The Indian delegation at the talks included External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. The Seychelles side was represented by Vice-President Sebastien Pillay, Principal Minister Wallace Cosgrow, Foreign Affairs Minister Barry Faure, and Finance Minister Pierre Laporte, among others. The two sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Made-in-India Fast Patrol Vessel and Equipment Handed Over
In a key bilateral gesture, PM Modi handed over a Made-in-India Fast Patrol Vessel PS Lespwar — manufactured by Goa Shipyard Limited — along with six ambulances, 10 utility vehicles, and five laser-guided boats to enhance Seychelles’ maritime surveillance and EEZ patrol capabilities. The handover ceremony was held at the Seychelles Coast Guard Base in Victoria in the presence of President Herminie.
Guest of Honour at Seychelles’ Golden Jubilee
PM Modi arrived in Victoria on June 27 and was personally received at the airport by President Herminie in a special gesture of warmth. He will participate as Guest of Honour at Seychelles’ Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations on June 29, marking 50 years of the island nation’s independence from the United Kingdom in 1976.
