PM Modi receives Guard of Honour at State House in Seychelles
Victoria, June 28
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday received a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the State House in Seychelles as part of his three-day official visit to the East African island nation, at the invitation of its President Patrick Herminie. The visit is aimed at further strengthening the longstanding partnership between the two countries.
PM Modi was welcomed at the State House by President Herminie, and the two leaders participated in formal ceremonial proceedings as part of the official engagements.
The Prime Minister's visit from June 27-29 will see him participate as the Guest of Honour at Seychelles' Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations on Monday, marking 50 years of independence from the United Kingdom, achieved in 1976.
Prime Minister Modi arrived in the capital city on Saturday afternoon and was personally received at the tarmac by President Herminie, alongside several top cabinet ministers and senior officials, in a special gesture reflecting the deep diplomatic bonds between the two democracies.
The arrival reception featured vibrant cultural performances, including a traditional dance from the Kutch region of Gujarat.
On Saturday, the Prime Minister visited the Seychelles National Botanical Garden marking a significant cultural and environmental engagement during his ongoing visit to the island nation.
The Prime Minister was accompanied throughout the visit by President Herminie.
Prime Minister Modi also presented a 'Made in India' Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV), PS LESPWAR, alongside 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 high-level handing-over ceremony was conducted in the presence of President Herminie at the Seychelles Coast Guard Base in Victoria on the initial day of the Prime Minister's official State Visit.
The specialised maritime vessel was manufactured by Goa Shipyard Limited.
Detailing the milestone engagement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) posted on X, "Together as partners. Stronger as one. In a special gesture, PM Narendra Modi handed over the 'Made in India' Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) PS LESPWAR to President Dr. Patrick Herminie. The FPV will contribute to strengthening Seychelles' maritime surveillance and EEZ patrol capabilities."
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's heartening to see India's growing global footprint. The cultural touch with Kutch dance performance adds a personal warmth to diplomatic ties. However, I hope our government also focuses equally on domestic issues like healthcare and education back home. Still, proud of this moment!
The FPV from Goa Shipyard Limited is a testament to Indian engineering prowess. Seychelles is a key partner in countering piracy and illegal fishing in the region. This visit solidifies our role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean. Kudos to the diplomatic team for arranging this!
While the Guard of Honour and ceremonies are impressive, I'm curious about the tangible outcomes for common Indians. Will this boost tourism? Trade? Job creation? The optics are great, but we need substance too. Still, every little step in foreign policy matters. Keep it up, PM!
The personal reception by President Herminie at the tarmac shows the deep respect Seychelles has for India. As a coastal nation, we must prioritize such partnerships. The ambulances and utility vehicles donation is a thoughtful gesture for their healthcare system. 🇮🇳🤝🇸🇨
Interesting to see India's soft power at play. The Botanical Garden visit shows environmental diplomacy, while the FPV underscores hard security cooperation. It's a balanced approach. But I wonder about the cost to Indian taxpayers for these gifts—are they strategic investments or just optics? Time will tell.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.