Victoria, June 28 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred the ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’, Seychelles’ highest distinction for leadership in environmental conservation and sustainable development.

The award acknowledges PM Modi’s long-standing push for sustainable growth and his green vision.

This is the latest in a series of global honours recognising PM Modi’s work on climate action, sustainable development, and green growth.

In May, PM Modi was conferred the 2026 Agricola Medal, the highest honour of the Food and Agriculture Organisation, during a ceremony held at the FAO Headquarters in Rome.

The medal was presented by FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu at the historic FAO Plenary Hall in recognition of PM Modi’s contribution to food security, agricultural development, and farmer welfare, according to the organisation.

Earlier in 2018, he received the Seoul Peace Prize for advancing sustainable economic growth, global cooperation and inclusive development.

PM Modi was also conferred the Champions of the Earth Award 2018 for Policy Leadership by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres at a ceremony held at Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in New Delhi.

PM Modi is currently on a three-day State visit to Seychelles.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi and Seychelles President Patrick Herminie held a meeting at State House in Seychelles.

Prior to the meeting, PM Modi was accorded a Guard of Honour at the State House.

On Saturday, PM Modi handed over ‘Made in India’ Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) PS LESPWAR, six ambulances, 10 utility vehicles and five laser radial boats to strengthen Seychelles’ maritime surveillance and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) priorities.

The handing-over ceremony took place in the presence of President Herminie at the Seychelles Coast Guard Base in Victoria, during the first day of PM Modi’s State Visit to the archipelagic island.

“Together as partners. Stronger as one. In a special gesture, PM Narendra Modi handed over the ‘made in India’ Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) PS LESPWAR to President Dr. Patrick Herminie. The FPV will contribute to strengthening Seychelles’ maritime surveillance and EEZ patrol capabilities,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on X.

“PM also handed over six ambulances, 10 utility vehicles and five laser radial boats, which will further contribute to the development and security of Seychelles. Guided by India’s Vision MAHASAGAR, India and Seychelles continue to strengthen their robust defence partnership, contributing to security and stability in the Indian Ocean region,” it added.

The two leaders also planted a sapling of the rare ‘Coco de Mer’ palm at the Seychelles National Botanical Garden on Saturday.

PM Modi arrived in Seychelles on Saturday afternoon to attend the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the country’s National Day as the Guest of Honour and further strengthen bilateral cooperation.

–IANS

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