The Prime Minister of the Republic of India H.E. Shri Narendra Modi delivered an Address to the National Assembly of Seychelles in an Extraordinary Sitting on Sunday 28th June 2026, at 1430hrs, at the National Assembly precinct, Ile Du Port.
The Prime Minister extended his congratulations to the newly elected Members of the 8th Assembly, as well as a heartfelt felicitation to the Speaker Hon. Azarel Ernesta for her election as the first female Speaker in Seychelles. H.E. Modi spoke on the longstanding history of the relations between the two nations, stating that, “The Indian Ocean does not separate India and Seychelles, it connects us. It makes us old friends.” Referencing the motto of the National Assembly of Seychelles, the principle of “Unity in Diversity” was highlighted as an unwavering value of everyday life in which all Seychellois work collectively for a prosperous future.
Speaking on his engagement with the President of the Republic of Seychelles H.E. Dr. Patrick Herminie, PM Modi reflected on the remarkable progress made by Seychelles, as well as the endless opportunities for collaboration and partnerships in fields such as sustainable tourism, protection of marine ecosystems, marine science, renewable energy, amongst others. The Prime Minister urged Seychelles to adopt a forward-looking perspective toward the next fifty years, emphasizing the importance of sustained investment in future generations who will uphold and advance the nation’s continued prosperity.
Noting that a significant proportion of Seychellois have benefited from training in India, His Excellency advocated for the continuation of such capacity-building programmes focused on service delivery, good governance, the effective use of technology, and other critical areas that will shape the future of digital transformation.
In his remarks, the Leader of the Opposition Hon. Bernard Georges reflected on the significance of the Indian diaspora and the development of Indo‑Seychellois culture as an integral component of the broader Seychellois cultural identity. On behalf of the Linyon Demokratik Seselwa Caucus, Hon. Georges expressed sincere appreciation for the generosity of the Government of India across a wide range of sectors and wished the Prime Minister a most fruitful visit to Seychelles.
This was followed by remarks by the Leader of Government Business Hon. Sylvanne Lemiel, who expressed her appreciation to the Prime Minister for his decision to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Seychelles’ Independence. She further acknowledged the Government of India for its continued support in capacity-building initiatives for Seychellois, as well as its ongoing cooperation in the areas of maritime security and protection. She echoed the sentiment that the next fifty years should be characterised by sustained friendship and strengthened ties between the two nations.
In her closing remarks, the Hon. Speaker expressed her gratitude for the wisdom shared by the Prime Minister, noting that India stands as a beacon of excellence and the mother of democracy. She highlighted that Seychelles looks to India as a role model, exemplifying the highest standards of good governance. She further underscored the importance of the Seychelles–India Parliamentary Friendship Group in strengthening bilateral relations, and reflected on her own training in India which provided the foundational knowledge of parliamentary practice and continues to guide her in her role as Speaker. With final thanks, the Sitting was thereafter concluded, and the Assembly adjourned.
