New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday received Seychelles’ highest civilian distinction, “Guardian of the Blue Horizon”, and unveiled an ambitious vision of transforming the Indian Ocean into an “Ocean of Opportunity” as India and the island nation strengthened their strategic partnership across key sectors, including the Blue Economy, digital connectivity, healthcare, clean energy and maritime security.
Prime Minister Modi, who is on a three-day official visit to Seychelles, held delegation-level talks with Seychelles President Dr Patrick Herminie before the two leaders addressed a joint press conference. The visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of Seychelles’ independence as well as five decades of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
According to an official release, Seychelles President Herminie conferred the Presidential Distinction “Guardian of the Blue Horizon” on Prime Minister Modi in recognition of his leadership in environmental conservation, climate action, sustainable management of ocean resources, promotion of the Blue Economy and support for the aspirations of Small Island Developing States. It is the first time Seychelles has bestowed the honour on any leader.
Accepting the award, Prime Minister Modi dedicated it to all nations committed to environmental conservation and combating climate change.
“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,” he said.
During the joint press statement, Modi described the Indian Ocean as a shared responsibility and reiterated India’s MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision.
“We believe the Indian Ocean is our shared home. Its security, sustainability and prosperity are our shared responsibility,” the Prime Minister said, adding, “Our vision is to make Indian Ocean into an Ocean of Opportunity.”
The two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral ties and agreed to make economic cooperation more resilient and future-ready. Modi said both countries would continue exploring new opportunities for businesses while enhancing connectivity, which would strengthen trade and deepen India’s engagement with East Africa and the wider Indian Ocean Region.
A key outcome of the visit was the signing of several agreements aimed at expanding cooperation. India will share its expertise in Digital Public Infrastructure with Seychelles, while an MoU was signed for introducing the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in the island nation.
The two countries also agreed to strengthen cooperation in healthcare through an agreement on Jan Aushadhi, which is expected to improve access to quality and affordable medicines in Seychelles. India reaffirmed its commitment to supporting medical capacity-building and training.
The Prime Minister said India would continue implementing the US$175 million Special Economic Package announced during President Herminie’s visit to India earlier this year. The package supports projects in social housing, transport, skilling, food security, education and defence. The leaders also virtually launched the construction of a Professional and Technical Centre aimed at enhancing skills and employment opportunities for Seychellois youth.
The discussions also focused on expanding collaboration in renewable energy, including green hydrogen, climate action, ocean observation, marine science, coastal management and space technology. An MoU on space cooperation was also signed during the visit.
Reaffirming the strategic nature of bilateral ties, Modi said India’s and Seychelles’ defence and security interests were closely linked and pledged continued cooperation in safeguarding the Indian Ocean Region.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the strong people-to-people relationship between the two countries, noting the popularity of yoga and Indian cinema in Seychelles. He said both sides would strengthen institutional cooperation in sports while encouraging greater exchanges among young people.
Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to attend Seychelles’ National Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour during his visit.
