NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed 50 years of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles as he addressed its Parliament.In his remarks, he underlined the importance of stability and security in the region, highlighting how the Indian Ocean acts as a bridge, bringing the two maritime partners closer.Here are the top quotes from his address:
- I thank President Herminie and the people of Seychelles for honouring me with the ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’ earlier today. It will encourage all those who are making sustained efforts for environmental conservation.
- The first country in the Indian Ocean region that I visited as Prime Minister was Seychelles in 2015. It was also my first visit to Africa as Prime Minister. I came here because I believe that Seychelles occupies a special place in India’s vision for the Indian Ocean. Today, as I return here after a decade, that conviction is stronger than ever, and I’m delighted to join you as you celebrate 50 years of your independence.
- It reminds us that the bonds between us were not created by governments. They were built by people, nurtured by families and sustained by generations.
- The Indian Ocean made this possible. The Indian Ocean does not separate India and Seychelles. It connects us, and that’s why we meet not as strangers; we meet as old friends.
- As maritime partners, we recognise that the security of one adds to the security of the other. The prosperity of one contributes to the prosperity of the other, and the stability of the region benefits us all. This offers a powerful reminder of the depth of our partnership. Fifty years ago, at the dawn of your independence, the Indian naval ship INS Nilgiri was present at the Port of Victoria as a mark of friendship and solidarity. Today, INS Tarkash and INS Ikshak are docked at Port Victoria to celebrate the golden jubilee with you.
- The passage of 50 years has changed many things, but it has not changed our commitment to one another…
- When people look at a map, they may see Seychelles as a group of islands in the Indian Ocean. But we see something much greater. We see a nation whose horizons stretch far beyond its shores.
- Your maritime domain extends across 1.4 million square kilometres. This makes Seychelles not a small island state, but a large ocean country. Long before the blue economy became part of global discussion, Seychelles was already leading the way…
- The Global South, especially island nations, is among the most impacted by climate change. Its effects are already visible on our coastlines, in the marine ecosystem, in weather patterns and in our communities. We both firmly believe that those who have contributed the least to climate change should not bear the greatest burden of its consequences. Climate action should be guided by fairness, responsibility and justice. This is the essence of climate justice. India has sought to lead by example. Over the last decade, we have undertaken one of the world’s largest expansions of renewable energy. We have championed a sustainable lifestyle through Mission LiFE — Lifestyle for Environment.
- As we celebrate the achievements of the past 50 years, we must also look ahead. The future of Seychelles will be shaped by its youth. We are proud that students, professionals, officials and security personnel from Seychelles have trained and studied in India for decades. In fact, it is said that one in every fifty people in Seychelles has undergone some training in India.
- They have returned home with skills, friendships and experiences that continue to strengthen our partnership today.
- India’s Digital Public Infrastructure has demonstrated how technology can expand opportunity, improve governance, boost financial inclusion and deliver services to hundreds of millions of people.
- We would be happy to share our experiences and expertise as you pursue your own digital transformation.
