Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reaffirmed India’s enduring partnership with Seychelles, saying that five decades of diplomatic relations had strengthened, not diminished, the two countries’ commitment to each other. He made the remarks while becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the National Assembly of Seychelles during his state visit.
Recalling the beginning of diplomatic ties, PM Modi said, “This year offers a powerful reminder of the depth of our partnership. Fifty years ago, at the dawn of your independence, an Indian naval ship, INS Nilgiri, was present in Port Victoria as a mark of friendship and solidarity… The passage of 50 years has changed many things, but it has not changed our commitment to one another.”
The Prime Minister praised the Seychelles Defence Forces and Coast Guard for their role in safeguarding the Indian Ocean region and said bilateral cooperation in maritime security, hydrography, capacity building and maritime domain awareness reflected the shared commitment of both nations to regional stability.
“Our vision is captured in the idea of MAHASAGAR, or Mutual And Holistic Advancement for Security And Growth Across Regions. And we will continue to work together for a safer and more secure Indian Ocean region,” he said.
Calling it a ‘special honour’ to address the National Assembly, the Prime Minister said he first visited Seychelles as Prime Minister in 2015, making it the first Indian Ocean nation he visited in that role.
The address marked the 20th time he has spoken before a foreign Parliament, including two addresses to the US Congress.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi and Seychelles President Patrick Herminie reviewed the ‘remarkable’ progress in the India-Seychelles partnership.
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