Seychelles confers 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' honour on PM Narendra Modi
Victoria, June 28
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred the 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon', Seychelles' highest distinction for leadership in environmental conservation and sustainable development.
The award acknowledges PM Modi's long-standing push for sustainable growth and his green vision.
This is the latest in a series of global honours recognising PM Modi's work on climate action, sustainable development, and green growth.
In May, PM Modi was conferred the 2026 Agricola Medal, the highest honour of the Food and Agriculture Organisation, during a ceremony held at the FAO Headquarters in Rome.
The medal was presented by FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu at the historic FAO Plenary Hall in recognition of PM Modi's contribution to food security, agricultural development, and farmer welfare, according to the organisation.
Earlier in 2018, he received the Seoul Peace Prize for advancing sustainable economic growth, global cooperation and inclusive development.
PM Modi was also conferred the Champions of the Earth Award 2018 for Policy Leadership by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres at a ceremony held at Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in New Delhi.
PM Modi is currently on a three-day State visit to Seychelles.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi and Seychelles President Patrick Herminie held a meeting at State House in Seychelles.
Prior to the meeting, PM Modi was accorded a Guard of Honour at the State House.
On Saturday, PM Modi handed over 'Made in India' Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) PS LESPWAR, six ambulances, 10 utility vehicles and five laser radial boats to strengthen Seychelles' maritime surveillance and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) priorities.
The handing-over ceremony took place in the presence of President Herminie at the Seychelles Coast Guard Base in Victoria, during the first day of PM Modi's State Visit to the archipelagic island.
"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," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on X.
"PM also handed over six ambulances, 10 utility vehicles and five laser radial boats, which will further contribute to the development and security of Seychelles. Guided by India's Vision MAHASAGAR, India and Seychelles continue to strengthen their robust defence partnership, contributing to security and stability in the Indian Ocean region," it added.
The two leaders also planted a sapling of the rare 'Coco de Mer' palm at the Seychelles National Botanical Garden on Saturday.
PM Modi arrived in Seychelles on Saturday afternoon to attend the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the country's National Day as the Guest of Honour and further strengthen bilateral cooperation.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Proud moment for India! Another global recognition for PM Modi's environmental leadership. The Fast Patrol Vessel and ambulance donation show India's commitment to being a reliable partner in the Indian Ocean. 🇮🇳🌊
I get why people are happy about this, but let's also ask: what about environmental issues back home? Our air quality in Delhi is still terrible, rivers are polluted, and deforestation continues. Award ceremonies are fine, but I'd rather see concrete action at home first.
This is wonderful news! The 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' title is so fitting for someone who has been championing renewable energy and sustainable development globally. And the FPV donation strengthens our maritime security - a classic win-win. Kudos to the PM!
I notice these awards are piling up - Agricola Medal, Seoul Peace Prize, now this. It's great PR for India's image abroad. But as a citizen, I'd like to see similar recognition for grassroots workers - farmers, forest guards, fishermen who actually protect our environment daily. Their work seldom gets such honours.
The 'Vision MAHASAGAR' approach is smart geopolitics - building trust with island nations while promoting development. Seychelles matters for India's maritime strategy. Plus, the environmental angle makes it a soft power success. Let's hope this translates into stronger partnerships in the Indian Ocean region. 🌏
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