'Byenveni Modi': Victoria dons festive look as Indian diaspora puts up posters welcoming PM ahead of his Seychelles visit
Victoria, June 27
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day State Visit to the East African island nation of Seychelles, the capital city of Victoria has taken on a festive look, with prominent welcome posters put up across the Victoria-Mahe area by the Indian diaspora ahead of his arrival for the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the nation's National Day.
The vibrant posters, carrying messages such as "Byenveni Modi"--"Welcome Modi" in Seychellois Creole--along with greetings including "Indian Diaspora Welcomes Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi", have been installed at key locations across the city, reflecting the excitement among the Indian community and the warm reception being prepared for the visiting leader.
The colourful welcome banners reflect the enthusiasm of the Indian diaspora ahead of PM Modi's visit today as the island nation prepares to welcome the Indian leader since his last visit in 2015.
Prime Minister Modi is visiting Seychelles from June 27 to June 29 at the invitation of Seychelles President Patrick Herminie to attend the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the country's National Day as the Guest of Honour.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), a contingent of the Indian Armed Forces, along with two Indian Navy ships, will also participate in the National Day celebrations, underlining the close defence and maritime partnership between the two countries.
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will also hold bilateral talks with President Herminie to review the full spectrum of India-Seychelles cooperation and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
He is also scheduled to address the National Assembly of Seychelles and interact with members of the Indian diaspora.
India and Seychelles share a longstanding partnership rooted in historical, cultural and people-to-people ties. As a key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region, Seychelles occupies a special place in India's Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and New Delhi's commitment to the Global South.
The MEA said the visit is expected to reaffirm the strong and enduring friendship between India and Seychelles while reinforcing the shared commitment of both countries to further deepen bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see PM Modi engaging with small island nations like Seychelles. But I hope the visit goes beyond photo ops and posters. We need concrete outcomes in maritime security cooperation, especially with China's growing presence in the Indian Ocean. Let's see what MAHASAGAR vision delivers on ground!
The Indian Navy ships participating in Seychelles' National Day celebrations is a big highlight. Shows how we are extending our maritime hand to friendly neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region. This is what 'Neighbourhood First' policy should look like. Kudos to MEA and our armed forces! 🚢🤝
As an Indian living abroad, I know how much these gestures mean to the community. The posters in Creole language show that Modi ji connects with local cultures. But I hope the diaspora interaction isn't just a scripted event – real engagement about their challenges would be more meaningful.
Mumbai to Victoria – what a bridge! My family has roots in Gujarat, and seeing Modi ji welcomed in Seychellois Creole warms my heart. This is soft power at its best. Also happy that defence cooperation is being highlighted – we need more such partnerships in the Indian Ocean. 🎉🌴
I appreciate the festive energy but wish we also focused on developmental aid and climate resilience for Seychelles. As a coastal nation, they face rising sea levels. India should offer more concrete help like early warning systems or renewable energy partnerships. Hope bilateral talks address these real issues.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.