Seychelles not small island state but large ocean country, says PM Modi
Victoria, June 28
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted the importance of Seychelles in the maritime domain.
"Your maritime domain extends across nearly 1.4 million square kilometres. This makes Seychelles not a small island state but a large ocean country. Long before the blue economy became a part of global discussions, Seychelles was already leading the way," PM Modi highlighted during his special address in the National Assembly of Seychelles during his state visit to the archipelagic island.
Seychelles has helped shape important global conversations in protecting marine ecosystems and in advancing innovations like blue bonds, he said.
"When people look at a map, they may see Seychelles as a group of islands in the Indian Ocean. But we see something much greater. We see a nation whose horizons stretch far beyond its shores," the Prime Minister said.
"The efforts being made by you to protect and preserve this natural wonder reflect our larger philosophy that humanity must live in harmony with nature. This sentiment resonates deeply in India as well. Let us work together to ensure that future generations inherit oceans that are healthier, safer, and more abundant than those we enjoy today," he added.
According to PM Modi, the Global South and the island nations are the most impacted by climate change, and effects are already visible on coastlines, marine ecosystems, weather patterns, and in communities.
"Climate action must be guided by fairness, responsibility, and equity. This is the essence of climate justice," he stressed.
"India has sought to lead by example. Over the last decade, we have undertaken one of the world's largest expansions of renewable energy. We have championed sustainable lifestyles through Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment). Through our initiatives, like the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the Coalition for Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA), and 'Ek Ped Maa Kee Naam' (a tree in mother's remembrance), we have worked with partner countries to boost the green transition," he noted.
The PM congratulated the government and people of Seychelles on the 50th anniversary of Independence and highlighted the special India-Seychelles partnership founded on shared values, strong people-to-people ties and mutual trust.
"PM also underscored the special place Seychelles occupies in India's Vision MAHASAGAR and its commitment to the Global South.PM underscored India's transformative development journey and called for stronger parliamentary exchanges, while advocating deeper cooperation in security, human development and sustainability for mutual benefit," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) wrote on X.
This is the 20th parliament which PM Modi has addressed.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I appreciate the sentiment behind reimagining a nation's identity - it's a powerful diplomatic framing. However, I wish PM Modi would also address concrete issues like the Chagos Archipelago dispute and the return of Diego Garcia to Mauritius, which directly impacts maritime sovereignty in the Indian Ocean. Seychelles and Mauritius both deserve stronger support from India on decolonization matters. Still, the focus on climate justice and the Global South is timely and much needed.
👏👏👏 What a wonderful recognition of Seychelles' maritime importance! And I love how PM Modi connected India's ancient philosophy of living in harmony with nature to modern challenges. Mission LiFE and Ek Ped Maa Kee Naam are such meaningful initiatives - they truly reflect our culture. The fact that this is his 20th parliamentary address globally shows India's growing diplomatic stature. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
This 'Large Ocean Country' concept is really refreshing as a counter-narrative to the old view of small island states as being vulnerable and helpless. It empowers them. But let's be honest - we also need to back this rhetoric with action. India's commitment to the Global South must translate into more climate finance for SIDS (Small Island Developing States). The 1.4 million sq km EEZ of Seychelles faces threats from IUU fishing and climate change - India could offer more maritime surveillance and technology support. Let's hope MAHASAGAR vision leads to concrete outcomes.
As an observer of Indo-Pacific affairs, I find PM Modi's diplomatic outreach to Seychelles strategically significant. The Indian Ocean is witnessing intense competition, and India is wisely strengthening ties with island nations that control critical sea lanes. The emphasis on climate justice for the Global South is also politically astute - it positions India as a leader of developing nations. However
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.