From Garba to chutney, PM Modi highlights shared heritage, maritime links in Seychelles speech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Seychelles Parliament and renewed India's partnership agenda with the island nation. His pitch centred on maritime security, climate justice, training links and digital cooperation.

In Short

• Modi linked Seychelles' modern identity to Indians who arrived 250 years ago
• He thanked Seychelles for its top civilian honour recognising conservation efforts
• He cited naval links from independence celebrations to the Golden Jubilee

Addressing the Seychelles Parliament as the first Indian Prime Minister to do so, Narendra Modi said the journey of the first Indians who reached the island over 250 years ago has become part of the modern story of Seychelles.

Modi, on Sunday, reaffirmed India's commitment to deepening its partnership with Seychelles, highlighting maritime security, climate action, youth development and digital cooperation while addressing the National Assembly during his three-day visit to the island nation.

He also praised Seychelles' multicultural identity and highlighted the deep cultural ties between the two countries during his address to the National Assembly. Calling the people of Seychelles the nation's "greatest strength", he said generations of migrants from across the world had come together to build a uniquely Seychellois identity rooted in diversity. Referring to the National Assembly's motto, "Unity in Diversity", Modi said it was reflected in Creole music, the traditional Moutya dance and Festival Kreol, which celebrates the country's rich heritage.

Emphasising what he described as the "Creole spirit", Modi pointed to the cultural similarities between India and Seychelles, saying the connection could be seen in everyday life—from the flavours of kari coco, samosas and chutney to the celebration of Deepavali, Thai Pongal and Garba during Navratri. He said these shared traditions strengthened the friendship between the two nations and reinforced confidence in their future partnership.

Modi, who earlier received Seychelles' highest civilian honour, the Guardian of the Blue Horizon, thanked President Wavel Ramkalawan Herminie and the people of Seychelles for the recognition, saying it would encourage those working towards environmental conservation.

He recalled that Seychelles was the first Indian Ocean nation and his first African destination after assuming office as Prime Minister in 2015. "The Indian Ocean does not separate India and Seychelles. It connects us. We meet not as strangers, but as old friends," Modi said.

INDIA- SEYCHELLES MARITIME PARTNERSHIP

Emphasising the strategic partnership between the two countries, Modi said the security, prosperity and stability of India and Seychelles are closely interconnected. Recalling historical ties, he noted that Indian naval ship INS Nilgiri was present at Port Victoria during Seychelles' independence celebrations 50 years ago, while INS Tarkash and INS Ikshak are currently docked in the port to mark the country's Golden Jubilee.

He also outlined India's MAHASAGAR vision — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions — saying it reflects the shared future of Indian Ocean nations. Calling Seychelles a "large ocean country" rather than a small island state, Modi noted that its maritime domain extends across nearly 1.4 million square kilometres and praised its leadership in marine conservation and the blue economy.

CLIMATE ACTION AND DIGITAL COOPERATION

Highlighting the challenges posed by climate change, Modi said island nations and the Global South bear a disproportionate burden despite contributing the least to global emissions. Stressing the need for climate justice, he said India's renewable energy expansion and the Mission LiFE initiative reflected its commitment to sustainable development.

The Prime Minister also underlined the importance of people-to-people ties, noting that generations of Seychellois students, professionals, civil servants and security personnel have received training in India. He said nearly one in every 50 people in Seychelles had undergone some form of training in India, strengthening bilateral relations.

Modi further offered to share India's experience in Digital Public Infrastructure, saying technology could improve governance, expand financial inclusion and support Seychelles' ongoing digital transformation.

- Ends