Victoria: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday emplaned for New Delhi after concluding his three-day State visit to Seychelles.
Prior to his departure, PM Modi greeted members of Indian community gathered outside the airport to meet him. People carrying Indian flags chanted “Modi, Modi” and “Vande Mataram” as he interacted with them.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi paid floral tributes at the Mahatma Gandhi statue at Peace Park in Seychelles. He also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora who had gathered to welcome him.
He also offered prayers at Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple and interacted with members of the Indian diaspora gathered outside the temple.
On Sunday, PM Modi attended the golden jubilee celebrations of Seychelles National Day as the Guest of Honour at the invitation of Seychelles President Patrick Herminie.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Honoured to participate in the National Day celebrations of Seychelles, marking the Golden Jubilee of the nation’s Independence. The occasion was a fitting tribute to the remarkable journey of the Seychellois people over the past fifty years.”
“India is proud to stand alongside Seychelles as a trusted friend and partner in its development journey. Our partnership continues to grow stronger with shared values and closer people-to-people ties. I am confident our friendship will grow even further in the times to come,” he added.
PM Modi was conferred the ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’, Seychelles’ highest distinction for leadership in environmental conservation and sustainable development.
The award acknowledges PM Modi’s long-standing push for sustainable growth and his green vision.
PM Modi and President Herminie on Sunday discussed new opportunities in industries, connectivity, technology, and digital infrastructure. PM Modi expressed India’s support for Seychelles in various sectors like housing, healthcare, transport, skilling, food security, education and defence.
“Held wide-ranging discussions with Dr. Patrick Herminie at the State House earlier this morning. My visit is taking place at a historic moment when Seychelles is completing 50 years of its Independence and we are also celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles. Our talks focussed on how to add further momentum to this close partnership,” PM Modi posted on X.
“President Herminie and I took stock of the economic partnership between India and Seychelles. We discussed new opportunities in industries, connectivity, technology, digital infrastructure and more. India will keep working with Seychelles in sectors such as housing, healthcare, transport, skilling, food security, education and defence,” he added.
India and Seychelles signed agreements to strengthen bilateral ties across trade, digital technology and agriculture following talks between the leaders.
The two countries agreed on several major initiatives, including the umbrella line of credit agreement for Rs 1,250 crore between the Export-Import Bank of India and the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning, Trade and Investment of Seychelles, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
He also addressed the National Assembly of Seychelles and spoke about the partnership between the two nations.
“Addressed the National Assembly of Seychelles today. Expressed my gratitude for the warmth and friendship extended by the people of Seychelles. Spoke about the long-lasting partnership between our two nations that is built on shared values. It was also an honour interacting with the Members of the Assembly,” PM Modi posted on X.
According to the MEA, India and Seychelles share a longstanding partnership rooted in shared historical, cultural and people-to-people ties. As a key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region, Seychelles holds a special place in India’s Vision ‘MAHASAGAR’ (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
(IANS)
