India has always been our trusted friend… Seychelles President spoke in honor of PM Modi at the dinner

Victoria, June 28. Relations between India and Seychelles gained new strength during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three-day visit to Seychelles. At the state dinner organized in the honor of Prime Minister Modi, Seychelles President Patrick Herminy praised the historic partnership of the two countries, calling India his “forever reliable friend”.

According to the President’s Office, President Harmini said that the decades-old relationship between India and Seychelles is not limited to just the governments, but is also deeply interconnected between the people of the two countries and the Indian community living in Seychelles. He said that India has supported Seychelles in every difficult time and this trust is the biggest strength of the friendship between the two countries.

Agreed to further strengthen strategic partnership

According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), during the dinner, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Harmini reiterated their commitment to take bilateral cooperation to new heights. In the program, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, Seychelles National Assembly Speaker Azrael Ernesta, Foreign Minister Barry Faure and many senior officials of both the countries were present.

2026 became a historic year

The President’s Office said that the year 2026 holds special significance for both the countries. This year marks the completion of 50 years of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles. Additionally, Seychelles is also celebrating its 50th anniversary of becoming a republic. President Harmini said that Prime Minister Modi attending the National Day celebrations as the chief guest is a symbol of the strong and trusting relations between the two countries. He expressed confidence that India and Seychelles will take the partnership to new heights in the coming 50 years.

India handed over ‘Lespwar’ fast patrol vessel

Prime Minister Modi also gave several important development and defense related gifts to Seychelles during his visit. He handed over the Fast Patrol Vessel named ‘L’Espoir’ to the Government of Seychelles. In the Creole language ‘Lespwar’ means ‘hope’. Apart from this, India also gifted 10 utility vehicles, five laser radial boats and six ambulances to Seychelles. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, these resources will further strengthen Seychelles’ maritime security, coastal surveillance and disaster relief capabilities.

The journey started with a grand welcome

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was formally welcomed by President Patrick Hermini upon his arrival in Victoria on Saturday. A guard of honor was given at the airport and he was warmly welcomed by the Indian community with cultural presentations. This is the second state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Seychelles, which is being considered an important milestone for the relations between the two countries.