India aims to make the Indian Ocean an ‘ocean of opportunities’, says PM Modi in Seychelles:

Read, Digital Desk : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said India envisions an Indian Ocean where maritime security is ensured along with economic prosperity and where partnership is based not on the size of countries but on mutual respect and trust.

India’s aim is to make the Indian Ocean an ocean of opportunities. Modi, who is on a three-day visit to Seychelles, said that the defence and security of India and Seychelles are very important to each other.

Prime Minister Modi and Seychelles President Patrick Herminie reviewed all aspects of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and international issues in delegation-level talks on Sunday.

After the talks, Modi said, “We believe that the Indian Ocean is our common home. Its security, stability, and prosperity are our shared responsibility. This is the core foundation of India’s ‘MAHASAGAR’ (International and Inclusive Progress for Security and Development in the Region) vision.”

The Prime Minister said that both sides discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral economic cooperation and prepare it for future needs. We will continue to explore new opportunities for the industries of both countries. We will also work to further improve connectivity between India and Seychelles. This will not only boost trade but also strengthen our ties with East Africa and the Indian Ocean region.

He said that India will share its successful experience in the field of digital public infrastructure with Seychelles. He is pleased that an MoU is being signed to implement UPI in Seychelles.

President Herminie stated that maritime security in the Indian Ocean region remains a key pillar of the two countries’ bilateral relations. India and Seychelles reiterated their commitment to jointly combat piracy, drug trafficking, illegal fishing, and trans-border crime. She said the two countries agreed to advance discussions related to India’s announcement of a $175 million special economic package.

Global South bearing the brunt of climate change: Modi

Later, addressing the Seychelles Parliament, Prime Minister Modi underlined the need for equitable climate action and said that the ‘Global South’, especially island nations, are bearing the brunt of climate change.

In his address, he highlighted how the effects of climate change are already visible on coastlines, marine ecosystems, weather patterns and communities.

He reiterated that countries that have contributed least to climate change should not bear the greatest burden of its consequences. The term “Global South” is used to refer to less developed countries.

The Prime Minister said that climate action must be based on “fairness, responsibility and equity.” India and Seychelles share a vision of a world where development is more inclusive.

He reiterated his commitment to advance the interests of the Global South and said, this is the spirit that unites the Global South and this is the vision that India-Seychelles will continue to pursue together.

PM Modi said, “Seychelles holds a special place for India in the Indian Ocean. The Indian Ocean does not separate India and Seychelles, but connects them. Together, we can build partnerships in fisheries, marine science, coastal management, renewable energy, and tourism.”