Seychelles has backed India’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. Speaking ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival in the island nation, Seychelles Foreign Minister Barry Faure said the current global order and international institutions need reforms to reflect present-day realities.

He said India deserves a permanent seat on the Security Council because of its population, growing global influence and its contribution to peacekeeping, maritime security and multilateral diplomacy. Faure said Seychelles supports India’s candidature and believes India’s inclusion would strengthen global balance and promote peace.

The Foreign Minister also described relations between India and Seychelles as excellent, saying the partnership dates back to Seychelles’ independence in 1976. His remarks come as Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a two-day State Visit to Seychelles to participate in the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the country’s National Day as the Guest of Honour, with the visit aimed at further strengthening the longstanding ties between the two countries.