Modi gets Seychelles' Blue Horizon honour for climate leadership

Seychelles conferred its first-ever 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' title on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit. The honour underscores his climate diplomacy and India's outreach to vulnerable island nations.

In Short

• Seychelles gave Modi its first-ever international title during his three-day visit
• The honour recognised his work on conservation, climate resilience and blue economy
• Modi dedicated the recognition to countries confronting climate change together

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Sunday conferred Seychelles' honorary 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' title for his commitment to environmental conservation and for advancing the aspirations of the Small Island Developing States.

The title is Modi's 34th international honour from a foreign country. It is also the first such honour to be bestowed by Seychelles. Modi thanked the country for the recognition and dedicated it to nations fighting the challenge of climate change.

President Patrick Herminie presented the title to Modi during his visit to Seychelles. After receiving the honour, Modi said in a social media post, "Grateful to the people and Government of Seychelles as well as President Herminie for conferring upon me the 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon'." He added, "I humbly accept this honour and dedicate it to all those countries that are fighting the challenge of climate change and consider environmental protection their responsibility towards future generations. This is a pressing challenge which we have to overcome together."

Modi said India is ready to do whatever is required to make "our planet greener and sustainable". "This is reflected in our various domestic policies, emphasis on Mission LiFE and global efforts like the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and more," he said.

The Ministry of External Affairs said the Presidential Distinction recognises the prime minister's leadership and steadfast commitment to environmental conservation, sustainable development, climate resilience, blue economy and advancing the aspirations of the Small Island Developing States. The MEA said Mission LiFE, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the International Big Cat Alliance are among the initiatives taken by Modi in this direction. On the occasion, Herminie said, "It stands as a symbol of our nation's deepest respect and recognition for those whose leadership and partnership embodied the spirit of the guardian of our blue horizon."

Modi arrived in the archipelagic nation on Saturday for a three-day visit, during which he is scheduled to hold talks with Herminie and attend the golden jubilee celebrations of Seychelles' National Day as the Guest of Honour. Earlier this month, Modi was conferred Slovakia's highest civilian honour, The Order of the White Double Cross (First Class), in Bratislava. With the latest recognition from Seychelles, his visit has also highlighted his focus on climate action and engagement with island nations.

With PTI Inputs

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