Beau Vallon, June 27 (IANS) Members of the Indian diaspora in Seychelles on Saturday expressed excitement ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, saying they were eagerly looking forward to welcoming him. Some members even described him as India’s ‘Dhurandhar.’

Speaking to IANS, members of the Indian community shared their enthusiasm about the Prime Minister’s visit.

Bharat Irani, a member of the Indian diaspora, said, “I have been working here for the last 15 years. We are very excited, and we will perform a dance at the airport to welcome the Prime Minister. We cannot express how happy we are. It has been 11 years since he last visited Seychelles, and we had the opportunity to meet him then as well. As I am also Gujarati, all of us Gujaratis are ready to welcome him. We have been preparing for this for a long time. We call him India’s ‘Dhurandhar,’ and we are all very excited.”

Another member of the diaspora said, “This will be the first time I will see Prime Minister Modi in person. I have been living here since 2016. Indians receive great respect in Seychelles, and the people here also embrace our culture. I hope there will be direct flights between India and Seychelles. The two countries have shared good relations for a long time, and I believe something new will emerge from this visit.”

Another member of the diaspora from Gujarat said, “This is the first time I will be welcoming Prime Minister Modi. We have made all the arrangements, from the airport to the hotel. We are excited and will welcome him with cultural performances and celebrations.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday embarked on a three-day State Visit to Seychelles to attend the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the country’s National Day as the Guest of Honour and further strengthen the bilateral cooperation.

Earlier in his departure statement, PM Modi expressed confidence that his visit to Seychelles would enhance maritime cooperation while also advancing the vision of a “secure, peaceful and prosperous” Indian Ocean region.

“At the invitation of my friend, H.E. Dr Patrick Herminie, President of the Republic of Seychelles, I will undertake a State Visit to Seychelles from 27-29 June 2026 to participate in the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the National Day of Seychelles as the Guest of Honour,” PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister said that Seychelles is a “valued maritime neighbour” and a “key partner” in India’s ‘Vision MAHASAGAR’ and the countries’ shared commitment to the Global South.

–IANS

jk/rad