Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said India envisions an Indian Ocean where maritime security is ensured alongside economic prosperity and where partnership is based not on size but on mutual respect and trust. He said, India’s vision is to make the Indian Ocean an ocean of opportunity. Mr Modi was addressing the joint press meet after delegation-level talks with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie in Victoria. During the meeting, the two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Prime Minister Modi asserted that the defence and security of India and the archipelagic nation are integral to each other. He expressed belief that Indian Ocean is a shared home and its security, sustainability and prosperity are shared responsibility. adding that this was the core of India’s MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision.

The Prime Minister said the two sides discussed making bilateral economic cooperation more resilient and future-ready. He also said India would share its successful experience in digital public infrastructure with Seychelles. Mr Modi said both nations will continue to explore new opportunities for the industries of both countries. He added that work will also be done to enhance connectivity between India and Seychelles.

The two countries exchanged several agreements in a range of fields including agriculture, finance, space, and health. Prime Minister Modi expressed happiness that an MOU has been signed to implement UPI in Seychelles. He said the India-Seychelles partnership in the health sector has stood the test of time. He said the MoU signed on Jan Aushadhi today will help provide quality and affordable medicines to the people of Seychelles.

Addressing the gathering, Seychelles President Herminie said maritime security in the Indian Ocean region remained central to bilateral ties, with the two countries reaffirming their commitment to counter piracy, drug trafficking, illegal fishing and cross-border crime.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Modi was conferred with the Guardian of the Blue Horizon, Seychelles’ highest distinction for leadership in environmental conservation and sustainable development. The Seychelles President conferred the prestigious honour on Prime Minister Modi. The distinction has been awarded to Prime Minister Modi in recognition of his green leadership, his efforts towards advancing the interests of developing countries, and his longstanding commitment to promoting the Blue Economy, climate action, the sustainable management of ocean resources, and the developmental aspirations of Small Island Developing States. This is the first time that this distinguished honour has been bestowed.

Prime Minister dedicated the honour to all the countries who are committed to environmental conservation and fighting climate change. The honour acknowledges Prime Minister’s longstanding commitment towards a greener planet, including the International Solar Alliance, Mission LiFE, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, and International Big Cat Alliance. This recognition is the latest in a series of such honours bestowed upon Prime Minister for promoting sustainable development, including the Agricola Medal by FAO, Seoul Peace Prize and the UN Champion of the Earth Award.

The honour underscores the importance attached by Seychelles to India’s growing role as a trusted partner in supporting capacity building, environmental action, sustainable development initiatives, and advancing shared priorities across the Indian Ocean Region.

Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi addressed the National Assembly of Seychelles. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister said the Global South, especially island nations, was the most impacted by climate change and called for climate action guided by fairness, responsibility and equity. He said, this is the essence of climate justice. Mr Modi also called for stronger India-Seychelles cooperation in the areas of blue economy and digital innovation. He said India will continue working with Seychelles to ensure that the concerns of Small Island Developing States received the attention they deserved.

The Prime Minister said India and Seychelles shared the vision of a more inclusive world and of international institutions that reflected contemporary realities, reaffirming their commitment to advancing the interests of the Global South.

Mr Modi said Seychelles occupies a special place in India’s vision for the Indian Ocean and that conviction is stronger than ever. He said the Indian Ocean does not separate India and Seychelles but connects the two countries. He added that it will encourage all those who are making sustained efforts for environment conservation.

Mr Modi said that when people look at a map, they may see Seychelles as a group of islands in the Indian Ocean. He stressed that India sees a nation whose horizons stretch far beyond its shores. The Prime Minister said it is a special honour to stand before everyone, as the first Indian Prime Minister to address the National Assembly. He thanked President and the people of Seychelles for honouring him with Seychelles’ highest distinction, the “Guardian of the Blue Horizon.

Mr Modi reached Victoria yesterday on a three-day visit to the East African island nation.