Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Seychelles on Saturday for a three‑day visit aimed at strengthening India’s strategic presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and expanding cooperation with one of its closest island partners. Soon after landing, Modi posted on X, thanking President Dr Patrick Herminie for the warm welcome and describing Seychelles as a “valued maritime partner” and a “close friend in the Indian Ocean.”
The visit underscores India’s growing focus on maritime security, blue‑economy partnerships, and island‑nation diplomacy, especially as geopolitical competition intensifies in the IOR. Seychelles has long been central to India’s regional outreach, with cooperation spanning coastal surveillance, capacity building, defence training, and joint efforts to secure sea lanes.
Shortly after his arrival, Modi visited the National Botanical Garden, where he planted a sapling of the rare Coco de Mer palm. The Ministry of External Affairs said the gesture was part of the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative — a flagship plantation drive launched by Modi to promote environmental stewardship. The symbolic act highlighted India’s commitment to climate‑friendly development, a priority shared by many island nations facing rising sea levels.
The visit comes at a time when India is expanding its maritime partnerships across the IOR, from Mauritius and Maldives to Sri Lanka and East Africa. Analysts say Seychelles remains a critical partner in India’s efforts to ensure a free, open and secure Indo‑Pacific, especially amid increasing external influence in the region.
Modi expressed confidence that the trip would “further strengthen longstanding ties” and deliver tangible benefits for both nations. Discussions are expected to cover defence cooperation, renewable energy, digital connectivity, and development projects.