Modi Receives Ceremonial Guard of Honour in Seychelles, Strengthens Strategic Maritime Partnership

Victoria, June 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the State House in Victoria on Sunday as part of his State Visit to Seychelles, underlining the close and expanding strategic partnership between the two Indian Ocean nations.

President Patrick Herminie formally welcomed Prime Minister Modi at the State House, where the two leaders exchanged warm greetings before participating in the ceremonial reception. Following the playing of the national anthems of India and Seychelles, the leaders jointly inspected the Guard of Honour presented by the Seychelles military, highlighting the significance of the high-level visit.

The ceremony came a day after India announced a series of major assistance measures aimed at strengthening Seychelles’ maritime security, emergency services and development capabilities. During an event held at the Seychelles Coast Guard Base in Victoria on Saturday, PM Modi handed over the ‘Made in India’ Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) PS LESPWAR to President Herminie. The vessel is expected to significantly enhance Seychelles’ maritime surveillance capabilities and improve patrol operations across its vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

In addition to the patrol vessel, India also gifted six ambulances, 10 utility vehicles and five laser radial boats to Seychelles. These assets are expected to support the island nation’s healthcare, transportation and coastal security infrastructure.

Sharing details of the initiatives, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the assistance reflects the strong and enduring partnership between the two countries. It noted that the patrol vessel would strengthen Seychelles’ ability to monitor its territorial waters and maritime domain, while the other equipment would contribute to the country’s overall development and security.

The MEA further emphasised that the cooperation aligns with India’s Vision MAHASAGAR, which focuses on enhancing maritime collaboration, regional security and sustainable development across the Indian Ocean Region. Defence and security cooperation has emerged as a key pillar of India-Seychelles relations over the years.

On Saturday, the two leaders also participated in a symbolic tree-planting ceremony at the Seychelles National Botanical Garden, where they planted a sapling of the rare and iconic Coco de Mer palm, regarded as one of the country’s national treasures.

Prime Minister Modi, who arrived in Seychelles on Saturday afternoon, is attending the island nation’s Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour. His visit also includes discussions aimed at expanding cooperation in areas such as maritime security, trade, development partnerships and people-to-people ties.

Adding a cultural touch to the official welcome, PM Modi witnessed a traditional Seychellois moutya dance performance, followed by an authentic folk dance from Kutch, Gujarat, presented by 18 members of the Indian diaspora living in Seychelles. The performance celebrated the shared cultural heritage and longstanding bonds between the two nations.

This marks Prime Minister Modi’s second State Visit to Seychelles. Earlier this year, President Patrick Herminie had undertaken a State Visit to India, reflecting the growing momentum in bilateral engagement.

Team Maverick.