NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has departed on a three-day State Visit to Seychelles from June 27 to June 29, 2026, at the invitation of Seychelles President Dr. Patrick Herminie. The visit marks a significant milestone in India-Seychelles relations, with Prime Minister Modi attending the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Seychelles’ National Day as the Guest of Honour.
The visit is expected to reinforce the longstanding partnership between the two Indian Ocean nations while expanding cooperation across maritime security, economic development, regional stability, and people-to-people ties. It also comes during a landmark year as India and Seychelles commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations.
Historic Visit Marks 50 Years of Diplomatic Relations
In a statement issued before his departure, Prime Minister Modi described Seychelles as one of India’s most valued maritime neighbours and a trusted partner in advancing the Vision MAHASAGAR initiative. He emphasized that the relationship between the two nations is built on mutual trust, democratic values, respect for diversity, and the enduring friendship shared by their people.
The Prime Minister noted that the golden jubilee of diplomatic ties provides an opportunity to celebrate decades of cooperation while charting a roadmap for an even stronger future partnership. Over the years, India and Seychelles have collaborated closely in areas including maritime security, capacity building, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and sustainable development.
High-Level Talks with President Patrick Herminie
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will hold extensive bilateral discussions with President Dr. Patrick Herminie. The talks are expected to review the full spectrum of India-Seychelles relations and explore new avenues of cooperation.
The meeting follows President Herminie’s successful State Visit to India in February 2026, which further strengthened bilateral engagement. Both leaders are expected to assess the progress made since that visit while discussing initiatives aimed at enhancing trade, investment, connectivity, security cooperation, and regional partnerships.
Officials believe the discussions will reaffirm both countries’ commitment to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region.
Focus on Maritime Security and the Indian Ocean
Maritime cooperation is expected to remain one of the central themes of the visit. India has consistently viewed Seychelles as a crucial strategic partner in safeguarding the Indian Ocean, one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors.
Prime Minister Modi reiterated that both nations share a common vision of ensuring a secure, peaceful, and prosperous Indian Ocean Region. The partnership aligns with India’s Vision MAHASAGAR, which emphasizes regional security, sustainable development, and enhanced cooperation among Indian Ocean nations.
The two countries are likely to discuss strengthening maritime surveillance, coastal security, disaster preparedness, blue economy initiatives, and capacity-building programmes.
First Indian PM to Address Seychelles National Assembly
One of the most significant highlights of the visit will be Prime Minister Modi’s address to the National Assembly of Seychelles, making him the first Indian Prime Minister to receive this honour.
The address is expected to underline the shared democratic traditions that unite both countries and outline India’s vision for stronger engagement with island nations in the Indian Ocean. It also reflects the growing importance of India-Seychelles relations and the mutual confidence enjoyed by both democracies.
The historic speech is expected to reaffirm India’s commitment to supporting Seychelles’ development priorities while promoting deeper parliamentary cooperation.
Celebrating the Indian Community in Seychelles
Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to interact with members of the Indian community living in Seychelles. The Indian diaspora has played an important role in strengthening cultural, economic, and social ties between the two countries over several generations.
In his departure statement, the Prime Minister acknowledged the community’s contribution in nurturing the unique friendship between India and Seychelles, describing them as a living bridge connecting both nations.
The interaction is expected to recognize the diaspora’s role in promoting closer bilateral engagement and preserving shared cultural values.
Strengthening India’s Engagement with the Global South
Prime Minister Modi highlighted that Seychelles remains an important partner in India’s broader engagement with the Global South. Through development partnerships, infrastructure projects, healthcare support, education initiatives, and climate resilience programmes, India has consistently supported Seychelles’ national priorities.
The visit is expected to further strengthen cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, digital transformation, sustainable tourism, fisheries, and human resource development.
Both countries are also expected to reaffirm their commitment to working together in multilateral forums on issues affecting developing nations and small island states.
Looking Ahead
As India and Seychelles celebrate five decades of diplomatic relations, Prime Minister Modi expressed confidence that the State Visit would elevate bilateral ties to new heights. He said the visit would further deepen the longstanding friendship between the two countries while enhancing maritime cooperation and advancing the shared vision of peace, security, and prosperity across the Indian Ocean Region.
The visit underscores India’s continued emphasis on strengthening partnerships with Indian Ocean nations and reinforcing regional cooperation through dialogue, development, and shared strategic interests. It also reflects New Delhi’s commitment to expanding its engagement with trusted partners in the Global South while promoting stability and sustainable growth throughout the region.
