Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi began his three-day State Visit to Seychelles on 27 June with ceremonial honours, environmental initiatives and the handover of maritime and development assets, underscoring the expanding strategic partnership between India and the island nation ahead of Seychelles’ 50th Independence anniversary celebrations.
VICTORIA, MAHÉ | 27 June 2026: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi arrived in Seychelles on Saturday for a State Visit from 27 to 29 June at the invitation of the President of the Republic of Seychelles, His Excellency Dr Patrick Herminie. During the visit, the Prime Minister will attend the country’s 50th Anniversary of Independence celebrations on 28 June as the Guest of Honour.
The visit marks Prime Minister Modi’s second visit to Seychelles, following his previous visit in 2015, and reflects the continued importance both countries attach to their longstanding partnership in the Indian Ocean.
Upon his arrival at Victoria International Airport in Mahé, Prime Minister Modi was received by President Herminie and accorded a ceremonial welcome. Senior Seychellois dignitaries and members of the Indian community participated in the reception, which featured cultural performances celebrating the close people-to-people ties between India and Seychelles.
The Prime Minister’s first official engagement was a tree-planting ceremony at the Seychelles National Botanical Garden. Accompanied by President Herminie, he planted a sapling of the rare and iconic Coco de Mer palm, a species unique to Seychelles.
The ceremony linked India’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ environmental initiative with Seychelles’ Independence Day greening campaign, highlighting the shared commitment of both governments to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
During their visit to the botanical garden, the two leaders also observed the giant Aldabra tortoise, a species endemic to Seychelles and recognised as one of the world’s largest and longest-living tortoises. Seychelles had previously gifted Aldabra tortoises to India as a symbol of the special friendship between the two countries.
Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi formally handed over the Fast Patrol Vessel ‘Lespwar’, meaning “Hope” in Creole, to President Herminie as a gift from the Government of India. The vessel is expected to strengthen Seychelles’ maritime surveillance and security capabilities.
India also handed over additional development assistance comprising:
10 utility vehicles;
5 laser radial boats; and
6 ambulances.
The assistance is intended to support Seychelles’ maritime security, defence preparedness and public service delivery, reinforcing India’s role as a trusted development and security partner in the Indian Ocean region.
In the evening, President Herminie hosted a State banquet in honour of Prime Minister Modi. During the event, both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening the longstanding partnership between India and Seychelles across strategic, developmental and people-centric areas.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to participate in Seychelles’ 50th Independence anniversary celebrations on 28 June as the Guest of Honour. The visit is expected to further deepen bilateral cooperation across maritime security, capacity building, sustainable development and regional engagement in the Indian Ocean.
Source & Photos Credit: Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India
