PM Modi Highlights MAHASAGAR Initiative In Seychelles, Calls Indian Ocean A Shared Home
PM Narendra Modi reaffirmed India's MAHASAGAR initiative during his Seychelles visit, signed key agreements including UPI, and received the Guardian of the Blue Horizon honour.
New Delhi: During his visit to Seychelles on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the Indian Ocean Region as a common heritage for the world and said that its security, stability and prosperity are the collective responsibility of all the countries. In a joint press conference after bilateral talks with Seychelles President Dr. Patrick Herminie, the Prime Minister said that India's 'MAHASAGAR' approach is based on this thinking. He said that India wants the Indian Ocean to become an ocean of opportunities, where development, trade and mutual cooperation get new momentum.
What did PM Modi say?
Prime Minister Modi said that relations between India and Seychelles are not just diplomatic but based on trust and partnership. Over the last five decades, both countries have transformed friendship into strong cooperation. He said that now the time has come for both the countries to further strengthen trade, maritime cooperation and connectivity system. Better connectivity will not only increase bilateral trade but will also strengthen India's economic relations with the countries of East Africa.
Consensus reached on digital connectivity and UPI?
The Prime Minister said that digital cooperation between the two countries will also be given a new direction. He informed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between India and Seychelles to implement Unified Payments Interface (UPI). After its implementation, the digital payment system will be promoted and economic activities between the two countries will become easier than before. He said that technology can become the most effective medium to reduce geographical distances.
Why did Modi get the 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' honour?
The Government of Seychelles honored Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the country's highest civilian honor 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' for his contribution in the field of environmental protection and sustainable development. Accepting the honour, the prime minister said that this honor is an inspiration not only for him but for all those countries that consider environmental protection their responsibility towards future generations while facing the challenge of climate change. He also called it an honor for the 140 crore citizens of India.
#WATCH | Victoria | During the press statement with Seychelles President Dr Patrick Herminie, PM Modi says, "We believe the Indian Ocean is our shared home; its security, sustainability, and prosperity are our shared responsibility. This sentiment forms the foundation of our… pic.twitter.com/rrtM3MXeYg
— ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2026
Why is 50 years of India-Seychelles relations special?
The Prime Minister said that his visit comes at a time when Seychelles is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its independence and is also completing 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He said that over the years, relations between the two countries have continuously strengthened and now the scope of cooperation has reached many new areas.
In which areas cooperation will increase?
Seychelles President Dr. Patrick Herminie said that the talks with Prime Minister Modi will prove to be a new chapter in the relations between the two countries. He said that important agreements have been agreed in many areas including foreign service, digital banking, health, agriculture, marine research, extradition, space cooperation and construction of a new national hospital. Apart from this, the Professional and Technical Education Center established with the help of India will play an important role in providing world class vocational training to the youth. The president described the honor given to Prime Minister Modi as a symbol of the deep and trustful relations between India and Seychelles.
