PM Modi Conducts Strategic Talks with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie in Victoria
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted high-level bilateral talks with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie to bolster maritime security and strategic cooperation. The visit included the handover of a Fast Patrol Vessel and attendance at the country's Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour.
Highlights
- •Prime Minister Narendra Modi held delegation-level talks with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie in Victoria.
- •The visit strengthens maritime security with India handing over the Fast Patrol Vessel PS LESPWAR to Seychelles.
- •PM Modi will attend the Seychelles Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour.
- •The Indian delegation included External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has engaged in significant high-level discussions with the President of Seychelles, Patrick Herminie, as part of his diplomatic visit to the East African nation. The talks, which took place at the State House in Victoria on Sunday, are intended to further solidify the strategic partnership and long-standing bilateral relationship between India and Seychelles.
The visiting Indian delegation featured prominent officials, including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. Representing the host nation, President Herminie was supported by Vice President Sebastien Pillay, along with key ministers managing the portfolios of Fisheries, Agriculture, the Blue Economy, Foreign Affairs, and Finance.
Strengthening Strategic Maritime Cooperation
Before the comprehensive delegation-level meeting, PM Modi and President Herminie conducted private bilateral talks to align their foreign policy objectives. The Prime Minister received a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the State House, highlighting the deep mutual respect between the two maritime nations. This visit coincides with the Seychelles Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations, where the Prime Minister will attend as the Guest of Honour, celebrating five decades of the nation's independence.
During the visit, the Prime Minister reinforced the strategic defense ties by handing over the India-built Fast Patrol Vessel, PS LESPWAR. This significant contribution to Seychelles' maritime security was accompanied by the transfer of six ambulances, 10 utility vehicles, and five laser-guided boats. These assets are specifically designed to bolster the island nation's maritime surveillance capabilities and its control over the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The Ministry of External Affairs has noted that these collaborative efforts are central to maintaining security and stability throughout the Indian Ocean Region. By enhancing the operational capacity of the Seychelles Coast Guard, both nations aim to protect vital shipping lanes and curb illegal activities. This visit, spanning from June 27 to June 29, underscores the persistent commitment of both leaderships to foster a secure, peaceful, and prosperous partnership in the Indian Ocean Region.
The initial welcome for PM Modi was characterized by elaborate cultural displays, including traditional dances from the Kutch region of Gujarat, signifying the warm historical ties shared by the two peoples. As the visit concludes, both governments continue to emphasize the importance of regional stability, maritime defense cooperation, and shared economic growth, setting a foundation for closer collaboration in the coming decades.
