Defence, security of India and Seychelles are integral to each other: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conferred the special presidential title of ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’ on Sunday, June 28, 2026, for Seychelles.

Mr. Modi, who is in Seychelles as part of his three-day State Visit to the East African island nation, dedicated the ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’ award to countries tackling climate change.

“We believe that the Indian Ocean is our common home; its security, sustainability and prosperity are our common responsibility,” PM Modi said in Seychelles.

“India envisions an Indian Ocean where maritime security as well as economic prosperity is ensured,” said Mr. Modi, adding: “Our vision is to make the Indian Ocean an Ocean of Opportunity.”

“We will share India’s successful experience in Digital Public Infrastructure with Seychelles,” the Prime Minister said. “We believe that the defense and security of India and Seychelles are inseparable from each other,” he said.

Delegation level talks

Mr. Modi held delegation-level talks with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie at Government House on Sunday, June 28, 2026, aimed at further strengthening the long-standing bilateral partnership between the two countries.

The Indian delegation included External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister Vikram Misri and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal.

The Seychelles delegation included Vice President Sebastien Pillay; Prime Minister and Minister for Fisheries, Agriculture and Blue Economy Wallace Cosgrow; Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Barry Faure; and Minister of Finance, Economic Planning, Trade and Investment Pierre Laporte and others.

Before the meeting, Prime Minister Modi and President Herminie held bilateral talks with each other.

Honor Guard at the State House

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi received the Guard of Honour, at a ceremony at the State Assembly, where he was welcomed by Speaker Herminie.

The two leaders also attended official ceremonies reflecting the close diplomatic ties between India and Seychelles.

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Victoria on Saturday afternoon, June 27, and was personally welcomed at the airport by President Herminie, along with several Cabinet Ministers and senior officials, in a special gesture that underlined the warm and friendly relations between the two countries. The arrival ceremony featured live cultural performances, including traditional dance from Gujarat’s Kutch region.

During the visit, which will take place between 27 June and 29 June upon the invitation of Prime Minister Herminie, he will attend the Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations in Seychelles as Guest of Honor on Monday, 29 June, which commemorates the 50th anniversary of the country’s independence from the United Kingdom in 1976.

During his visit on Saturday, June 27, Prime Minister Modi also visited the Seychelles National Botanical Garden as part of his cultural and environmental work. In a significant bilateral gesture, the Prime Minister handed over a ‘Made in India’ Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV), PS LESPWAR, along with six ambulances, 10 commercial vehicles and five laser-guided boats to Seychelles to enhance maritime surveillance and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) patrolling of the island nation. Abilities.

The high-level handover ceremony was held at the Seychelles Coast Guard Base in Victoria in the presence of President Herminie. Manufactured by Goa Shipyard Limited, FPV is expected to significantly strengthen Seychelles’ maritime security capabilities.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the initiative reflects the growing strategic partnership between India and Seychelles, especially in the Indian Ocean Region.

(With input from institutions)