Victoria (Seychelles), June 29: Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the centuries-old historical and people-to-people ties between India and Seychelles while delivering a historic address to the National Assembly of Seychelles during his State Visit. Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the country’s National Assembly, describing the relationship between the two nations as one built on shared history, trust and enduring friendship.
Recalling a significant chapter in history, the Prime Minister said the friendship between India and Seychelles predates the establishment of diplomatic relations by nearly two centuries. He noted that in August 1770, five Indians arrived aboard the ship Thelemaque at Ste Anne Island, marking the beginning of a lasting connection that would eventually become part of the story of modern Seychelles.
Modi said the relationship was not created by governments alone but was built by ordinary people, nurtured by families and strengthened across generations. He emphasised that the Indian Ocean has served as a bridge connecting the two nations rather than dividing them.
“The Indian Ocean does not separate India and Seychelles. It connects us. That is why we meet not as strangers, but as old friends,” the Prime Minister said during his address.
The address formed part of Prime Minister Modi’s three-day State Visit to Seychelles, during which both countries reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in maritime security, digital transformation, sustainable development, renewable energy, capacity building and regional stability. The visit also coincided with the Golden Jubilee celebrations marking 50 years of Seychelles’ independence and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles.
