PM Modi plants sapling of iconic Coco de Mer palm in Seychelles, fed leaves to Aldabra Giant Tortoises
At the invitation of the President of Seychelles, Dr Patrick Herminie, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Seychelles on saturday on a State Visit from 27-29 June 2026.
Prime Minister will be attending the 50th Anniversary of Independence celebrations of Seychelles as the Guest of Honor on 28 June. This is the second visit of Prime Minister to Seychelles, the last one being in 2015.
Upon arrival at the airport in Victoria, Mahe, the Prime Minister was warmly received by President Herminie and accorded a ceremonial welcome. A number of Seychellois dignitaries and members of the Indian community also joined the welcome ceremony which included vibrant cultural performances, reflecting the strong people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Tree-planting ceremony at National Botanical Garden
PM Modi’s first official engagement was the participation in a tree-planting ceremony at the Seychelles National Botanical Garden, where he planted a sapling of the rare and iconic Coco de Mer palm. He was joined by President Herminie for the event. The planting ceremony brought together India’s ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’ initiative and Seychelles’ Independence Day drive for greening, underscoring the shared commitment of both countries towards sustainable development.
PM fed leaves to the Aldabra Giant Tortoises
At the garden, both leaders also observed the giant Aldabra tortoise. Both the leaders fed leaves to the Aldabra Giant Tortoises at the National Botanical Garden. The Aldabra tortoise is endemic to Seychelles and is among the largest and longest-living tortoise species on the planet. Seychelles had earlier gifted Aldabra tortoises to India as a mark of special friendship between the two countries.
PM hands over Fast Patrol Vessel ‘Lespwar’
Later in the afternoon, at a special function, Prime Minister handed over the Fast Patrol Vessel ‘Lespwar’ (‘Hope’ in Creole) to President Herminie as a gift for the Government of Seychelles. In addition, 10 utility vehicles, 5 laser radial boats and 6 ambulances were also handed over. These will enhance Seychelles’ maritime security and defence capabilities.
President Herminie hosted a banquet in honour of PM Modi
Later in the evening, President Herminie hosted a banquet in honour of the Prime Minister, during which both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the steadfast partnership between India and Seychelles.
Five Indians were among the 27 people were first inhabitants in 1770
This small island nation in the Indian Ocean has a relationship with India that is not only strategic but also 256 years old. When the first permanent settlement was established here in 1770, 5 Indians were among the 27 people who arrived. Later, a large number of Indians from Bihar, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat also settled here.
Today, out of Seychelles' population of approximately 1.20 lakh, almost every eighth citizen is of Indian origin. The ancestors of the country's President, Wavel Ramkalawan, were also from Gopalganj district of Bihar. In such a situation, this visit of Modi is considered to give new strength to the historical, cultural and strategic relations between the two countries.