Victoria: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday emphasised that the security, sustainability and prosperity of the Indian Ocean are collective responsibilities, asserting that India’s vision is to transform the region into an “Ocean of Opportunity.”
Addressing a joint press conference alongside Seychelles President Patrick Herminie after bilateral discussions, Modi said the Indian Ocean remains central to the relationship between India and Seychelles and serves as a foundation for regional cooperation.
“We believe that the Indian Ocean is our shared home. Its security, sustainability and prosperity are our collective responsibility. This spirit forms the basis of our MAHASAGAR vision,” the Prime Minister said.
He underlined that India seeks to promote both maritime security and economic growth across the Indian Ocean region. According to Modi, partnerships in the region should be guided by mutual trust, respect and shared progress rather than the size of nations.
“The message of my visit to Seychelles is clear. India envisions an Indian Ocean where economic prosperity advances alongside maritime security, where partnerships are based on mutual trust and respect, and where nations move forward together,” he said.
The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to President Herminie and the people of Seychelles for the warm welcome extended to him during the visit.
Modi thanked the Seychelles government for conferring upon him the “Guardian of the Blue Horizon” award, describing the honour as a matter of pride not only for him but also for the people of India.
Accepting the recognition, the Prime Minister dedicated the award to all countries committed to environmental conservation and combating climate change for the benefit of future generations.
Highlighting the historical relationship between India and Seychelles, Modi noted that the Indian Ocean has linked the two countries for centuries, facilitating trade, cultural exchanges and people-to-people ties.
He pointed out that his visit coincides with Seychelles marking 50 years of independence, as well as the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Reflecting on the journey of bilateral ties, Modi said India and Seychelles have transformed their friendship into a relationship based on trust, cooperation and public welfare over the past five decades.
The Prime Minister also referred to the joint vision document issued during President Herminie’s visit to India earlier this year, saying it had laid out a roadmap for future collaboration.
According to Modi, both leaders discussed ways to make economic cooperation more resilient and future-oriented. He announced that India and Seychelles would continue exploring new opportunities for industries in both countries.
The two nations also agreed to strengthen connectivity, a move that Modi said would not only expand bilateral trade but also deepen engagement with East Africa and the wider Indian Ocean region.
The Prime Minister highlighted digital technology as an important tool for reducing geographical distances and enhancing cooperation. He announced that India would share its experience in developing digital public infrastructure with Seychelles.
The discussions covered a wide range of areas aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation and reinforcing India’s engagement with island nations in the Indian Ocean region.
