PM Modi Addresses Seychelles Parliament, Calls Island Nation 'Special' To India's Indian Ocean Vision

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the Parliament of Seychelles, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to speak in the country's National Assembly. During his address, he reaffirmed India's commitment to strengthening ties with the island nation and underscored its strategic importance in New Delhi's vision for the Indian Ocean region.Addressing the Parliament of Seychelles, PM Modi said, "It is a special honour to stand before you as the first Indian Prime Minister to address this National Assembly. I bring with me the warm greetings and best wishes of 1.4 billion people of India.""The first country in the Indian Ocean region that I visited as Prime Minister was Seychelles in 2015. I came here because I believe that Seychelles occupied

a special place in India's vision for the Indian Ocean. As I return here after a decade, that conviction is stronger than ever. I'm delighted to join you as you celebrate 50 years of your independence," the Prime Minister added."The greatest strength of Seychelles is its people. Over generations, people from all parts of the world arrived here. They brought with them different languages, customs, beliefs, and traditions, and together they built a shared identity that is proudly Seychellois. The motto of the National Assembly is 'Unity in Diversity'," said PM Modi.Talking about the connection between the cultures of Seychelles and India, the Prime Minister said the similarity is visible in everyday life. "It can be felt in the flavours of Kari Coco, samosas, and chutney. It can be found in the celebration of Deepavali, Thai Pongal, and the Garba dance during Navratri. This is the Creole spirit that gives us great confidence in the future of our friendship," he added.

PM Modi Addresses 20th Parliament

The Seychelles Parliament was the 20th Parliament addressed by PM Modi. Notably, Prime Minister Modi after assuming office in 2014 has addressed the Parliaments of several countries, including Bhutan, Nepal, Australia and Fiji. The following year, he addressed the National Assembly of Mauritius, the Parliaments of Sri Lanka, Mongolia, the United Kingdom and Afghanistan. The journey continued with PM Modi's address to the United States Congress in 2016, followed by a second address in 2023 making him the first Indian Prime Minister to address a Joint Session of the US Congress twice. Between these landmark engagements, he also addressed the Parliaments of Uganda in 2018, Maldives in 2019 and Guyana in 2024. The momentum gathered further in 2025 when the Indian Prime Minister addressed the national Parliaments of Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago and Namibia during his visits in July, followed by the Joint Session of the Ethiopian Parliament in December, underscoring India's deepening engagement with Africa and the Global South. Earlier this year, in February, PM Modi created history by becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Knesset, the Parliament of Israel, during his State Visit to Jerusalem.

PM Modi Conferred Seychelles' Highest Environmental Honour

Prime Minister Modi was on Sunday conferred the 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon', Seychelles' highest honour for leadership in environmental conservation and sustainable development, during his three-day state visit to the island nation.The award recognises PM Modi's contribution to climate action, sustainable development, the Blue Economy and international cooperation. It was presented as Seychelles celebrates the Golden Jubilee of its National Day, with the Indian Prime Minister attending the celebrations as the Guest of Honour at the invitation of President Dr Patrick Herminie.