Victoria, June 28 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that the Indian Ocean connects India and Seychelles and thus the two nations do not meet as “strangers” but as old friends.

Addressing the Seychelles National Assembly, PM Modi noted that the relations between the two nations did not start with the establishment of diplomatic ties, but when five Indians came to Seychelles in August 1770. He stated that the bond between two nations is built by people, nurtured by families and sustained by generations.

This marked the 20th Parliament, which PM Modi has addressed. Earlier, PM Modi has addressed parliaments of several nations, including Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Australia, the US, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Israel.

“Honourable Members, it is important to recall today that our friendship did not begin 50 years ago with the establishment of our diplomatic relations. It began much earlier, in August 1770, when there were five Indians among those who arrived on board the ship Telemaque on St Anne Island. That voyage sowed the path to many more who followed. Over time, these stories became part of modern Seychelles.”

“It reminds us that the bonds between us were not created by governments alone. 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. That is why we meet not as strangers, we meet as old friends,” he added.

Praising Seychelles’ vibrant diversity, he said: “The greatest strength of Seychelles lies in its people. Over generations, people from all parts of the world arrived here, they brought with them different languages, customs, beliefs, and traditions, and together they built a shared identity that is proudly Seychellois.”

He thanked Seychelles President Patrick Herminie for honouring him with ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’. He also recalled his first visit to Seychelles in 2015, noting that it was the first nation he visited in the Indian Ocean after assuming office.

“I also 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. I bring with me the warm greetings and best wishes of 1.4 billion Indians. 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 believed 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. I am delighted to join you in celebrating 50 years of your independence. Congratulations to you and the people of Seychelles on this special occasion.”

PM Modi recalled how Indian Naval Ship (INS) Nilgiri took part in Seychelles Independence Day celebrations in 1976 and mentioned the participation of INS Tarkash and INS Ikshak in the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Seychelles’ 50th National Day. He stated that India deeply values the professionalism and dedication of the Seychelles Defence Forces and the Seychelles Coast Guard.

“As maritime neighbours, we recognise that the security of one adds to the security of the other, the prosperity of one supports the prosperity of the other, and the stability of the region benefits us all. This year offers a powerful reminder of the depth of our partnership. 50 years ago, at the dawn of your independence, an Indian naval ship, INS Nilgiri, was present in Port Victoria as a mark of friendship and solidarity.”

“And 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. For decades, our defence forces, coast guards, and maritime agencies have trained and worked closely together. India deeply values the professionalism and dedication of the Seychelles Defence Forces and the Seychelles Coast Guard. They play a vital role in safeguarding your own vast maritime domain as well as the wider Indian Ocean region,” he added.

–IANS

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