PM Modi Addresses Seychelles Parliament, Highlights the Importance of the Blue Economy and Calls for Climate Justice (image source: "Chat GPT AI Generated Visuals")
During his three-day visit to Seychelles, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the country’s National Assembly—a significant moment in the relationship between India and Seychelles. In his speech, PM Modi placed special emphasis on two key themes—the ‘Blue Economy’ and climate justice—while also highlighting the long-standing partnership between the two nations. He described the Indian Ocean not as a boundary, but as a shared opportunity that connects nations.
In his address, PM Modi remarked that India and Seychelles meet “not as strangers, but as old friends,” reflecting the diplomatic and cultural ties that have endured for decades. He became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Seychelles parliament and used the occasion to further strengthen India’s role as a trusted maritime partner in the Indian Ocean region.
One of the key highlights of the speech was the emphasis on the ‘Blue Economy.’ This concept focuses on the sustainable use of marine resources while fostering economic growth, protecting marine ecosystems, and improving livelihoods. PM Modi commended Seychelles for emerging as an early global leader in this sector, noting that the country had adopted innovative and unique approaches long before the concept began to be discussed widely on the international stage.
Prime Minister Modi also spoke at length about ‘climate justice.’ He explained that the countries contributing the least to climate change are often the ones that have to face its most severe consequences. He specifically highlighted the concerns of island nations and countries of the ‘Global South,’ which are at the greatest risk due to rising sea levels and environmental challenges.
In his speech, he emphasized that climate action should focus not only on targets and pledges but also on fairness and responsibility. According to PM Modi, climate policies must take into account the varying capacities and realities of developing nations, while also supporting their economic growth and environmental resilience.
Another key topic was maritime cooperation. PM Modi described the Indian Ocean as a “shared home” and stated that security, stability, and prosperity in the region are collective responsibilities. This message aligns with India’s broader regional vision for cooperation in the Indian Ocean.
The visit also encompassed measures for practical cooperation. India handed over a ‘Made-in-India’ Fast Patrol Vessel to Seychelles, further strengthening cooperation in the realms of maritime security and regional stability. Several agreements and cooperative initiatives were also discussed during the bilateral meetings.
PM Modi linked these priorities to India’s broad vision of ‘MAHASAGAR’, which focuses on mutual growth, maritime cooperation, and regional development. He highlighted that sustainable development and ocean-related opportunities could generate long-term benefits for the countries of the Indian Ocean region.
This visit to Seychelles was also symbolically significant, as it coincided with the celebration of fifty years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. PM Modi received the special presidential honour of ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon,’ which he dedicated to nations working to combat climate change.
Overall, PM Modi’s address to the Seychelles Parliament went beyond mere diplomacy; it conveyed a broader message: economic progress, ocean sustainability, and climate justice must advance in tandem. Through discussions on the ‘Blue Economy’ and ‘climate justice,’ India and Seychelles expressed their intent to deepen cooperation while addressing some of the most critical global challenges of the coming decades.