VICTORIA, Seychelles, June 27 (ANI) — Excitement has reached a fever pitch among the Indian diaspora in Seychelles as community members eagerly await the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The atmosphere in the capital city of Victoria is filled with anticipation as generations of Indian-origin residents gather for what many describe as a historic and deeply personal occasion.
Expressing her excitement, a member of the Indian diaspora said she was especially looking forward to her daughter’s participation in the cultural program planned for the Prime Minister’s visit.
“I am looking forward to seeing Prime Minister Modi. My daughter will perform in front of him. I am waiting for that precious moment,” she told ANI.
The upcoming visit has also stirred feelings of nostalgia and optimism among senior members of the Indian community who have lived in Seychelles for decades.
A resident originally from Kutch, Gujarat, said the visit marked a milestone in his life.
“Today is the best day of the last 44 years since I have been living in this country because Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting us. What I expect from today’s visit is a stronger relationship between Seychelles and India,” he said.
The younger generation is equally enthusiastic. One young member of the diaspora proudly displayed a handcrafted welcome message for the Prime Minister, reflecting the excitement shared throughout the community.
The warm reception underscores the deep cultural and historical ties between India and Seychelles as the community prepares to welcome Prime Minister Modi during his three-day official visit.
Before departing for Seychelles on Saturday, Modi highlighted the significance of the visit, noting in a post on X that this year holds special importance as the two countries celebrate the Golden Jubilee of their diplomatic relations.
Ahead of his arrival, the Prime Minister described Seychelles as a “valued maritime neighbor” and emphasized its important role in India’s Vision MAHASAGAR and New Delhi’s efforts to advance the interests of the Global South.
A key engagement during the visit will be bilateral talks with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two leaders will review the full spectrum of India-Seychelles cooperation, including maritime security, development partnership, capacity building, and strategic defense collaboration. They are also expected to exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
“I look forward to discussions with my friend, Dr. Patrick Herminie, President of the Republic of Seychelles,” Modi said in a post on X ahead of the visit.
The Prime Minister is also scheduled to address the National Assembly of Seychelles, highlighting the enduring partnership between the two nations, and interact with members of the Indian diaspora gathered to welcome him.
“I am honored to be addressing the National Assembly of Seychelles during the visit. I also look forward to meeting the Indian community there,” Modi said.
The MEA said the Indian Ocean region remains central to India-Seychelles relations. The two democracies share longstanding historical, cultural, and economic ties, and the visit is expected to further strengthen the bilateral partnership while opening new avenues for cooperation. It will be Prime Minister Modi’s first official visit to the island nation since 2015. (ANI)
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