“We are not strangers, we are old friends…” PM Modi won everyone’s hearts in Seychelles, created another new history

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on a three-day historic visit to Seychelles. Sunday was the second day of his very important visit, which became very special in terms of relations between the two countries. Prime Minister Modi addressed the Parliament (National Assembly) of Seychelles located in Victoria on Sunday. During this, PM Modi presented the centuries-old and very deep cultural relations between the two countries to the world in a new and unique way. During his address, when he mentioned “Samosa, the joys of Diwali and the Garba dance of Navratri” in front of the foreign MPs, the entire House erupted in thunderous applause.

Indian Ocean does not separate India and Seychelles but connects them.

Speaking candidly on the shared history and culture of the two countries, Prime Minister Modi told the Parliament of Seychelles that our friendship did not begin with the establishment of diplomatic relations just 50 years ago. Actually it started much earlier, in August 1770. Five Indians were among the first to arrive on St. Ann’s Island in a ship called ‘Thelemac’.

PM Modi said that that first historic journey paved the way for many others. Over time, the stories of those Indian immigrants became a very important part of the history of modern Seychelles. It reminds us that these deep bonds between us were not created on the files of any government, but were forged by the people who live here, nurtured with love by families and sustained over generations. He stressed that these vast waters of the Indian Ocean do not separate India and Seychelles from each other, but connect us together. This is the reason why whenever we meet, we do not meet like strangers but like old best friends.

‘India will always stand with you as your trusted friend’

In his speech, Prime Minister Modi praised the strong diplomatic and strategic relations between the two countries. He said that there are very few partnerships in the world like India and Seychelles which are built on such deep foundations and which grow with such cordiality, unwavering trust and true goodwill. He urged the Parliament of Seychelles to further strengthen this historical foundation. PM Modi further became emotional and said, “India will always remain your truest and trusted partner. We will celebrate every small and big achievement of yours. We will fully support your hopes and aspirations. Like a true friend, India will always stand shoulder to shoulder with you in all difficult times.”

I have brought best wishes on behalf of 140 crore Indians.

PM Modi described this occasion of addressing the Parliament of Seychelles as a great symbol of the deep and unbreakable friendship between the two countries. He said, “It is a special privilege and honor for me to be present before you as the first Indian Prime Minister to address this prestigious National Assembly. I come here with immense love, respect and warm wishes on behalf of the 140 crore people of India.”

Refreshed old memories of 2015

Recalling his past visits, the Prime Minister said, “After assuming power as Prime Minister in 2014, the first country in the Indian Ocean region that I visited was Seychelles in 2015. I had come here then because I always believed that Seychelles has a very special and important place in India’s vision and strategic vision for the Indian Ocean. Today, after almost a decade, in the year 2026, I will visit again. Returning to this beautiful country, my faith is stronger than ever and I am extremely happy to be a witness and an important part of Seychelles’ historic celebration of 50 years of independence.”

‘Seychelles is not just a group of islands, but a vast ocean nation’

Highlighting the strategic and maritime importance of Seychelles to the world, PM Modi said that this island nation should not be seen only as a small group of islands located in the Indian Ocean, but should be recognized as a major and powerful maritime power.

He told foreign parliamentarians, “People often look at a map and may see Seychelles as a group of small islands located in the Indian Ocean. But India sees a much broader and more powerful nation than this. We see a nation whose horizons extend far beyond its shores. Your maritime domain is spread over a vast area of about 14 lakh square kilometres. This geographical position makes Seychelles not a small island state, but an extremely vast and Makes it an important oceanic nation.”