VICTORIA, Seychelles, June 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held bilateral talks with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie as part of his three-day state visit to the East African island nation, aimed at further strengthening the longstanding partnership between the two countries.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri attended the bilateral meeting.
Earlier in the day, Modi received a ceremonial Guard of Honor at the State House in Seychelles.
The prime minister was welcomed by President Herminie, and the two leaders participated in formal ceremonial proceedings reflecting the close diplomatic ties between India and Seychelles.
Modi arrived in the Seychelles capital on Saturday afternoon and was personally received at the airport by President Herminie, accompanied by several Cabinet ministers and senior government officials, in a special gesture underscoring the strong relationship between the two nations.
The arrival ceremony also featured cultural performances, including a traditional dance from the Kutch region of Gujarat.
During his visit, Modi is scheduled to attend Seychelles’ Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations on Monday as the Guest of Honor, marking the 50th anniversary of the country’s independence from the United Kingdom in 1976.
The visit, taking place from June 27 through June 29 at the invitation of President Herminie, reflects the continued high-level engagement between India and Seychelles.
On Saturday, Modi also visited the Seychelles National Botanical Garden as part of his cultural and environmental engagements.
In a significant bilateral initiative, the prime minister handed over the India-built Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) PS LESPWAR, along with six ambulances, 10 utility vehicles, and five laser-radial boats to Seychelles to strengthen the island nation’s maritime surveillance and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) patrol capabilities.
The handover ceremony was held at the Seychelles Coast Guard Base in Victoria in the presence of President Herminie on the first day of the prime minister’s official state visit.
The FPV, built by Goa Shipyard Limited, is expected to significantly enhance Seychelles’ maritime security capabilities.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the initiative reflects the growing strategic partnership between India and Seychelles, particularly in the Indian Ocean region. (ANI)
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