PM Modi interacts with Indian community members in Seychelles

Victoria, June 29 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with members of the Indian diaspora in Seychelles on Monday, where they were eager to interact with him.

He engaged with the diaspora members and took pictures with them.

PM Modi is now scheduled to visit to the Navashakti Vinayakar Temple in Victoria. Ahead of his visit, Indian community members expressed excitement and said they were eagerly looking forward to welcoming him.

Speaking to IANS, several members of the Indian community said extensive preparations had been made for the Prime Minister’s visit, which coincides with Seychelles’ 50th National Day celebrations.

One community member said, “We are very happy that Prime Minister Modi is visiting us on the occasion of the 50th National Day. All the arrangements have been made smoothly. We will pray at the temple for his long life and wish that he continues serving the people of India. We have also organised cultural programmes to welcome him.”

Another member of the diaspora, Shashi, said, “The Indian community in Seychelles is very excited about PM Modi’s visit. We are delighted to welcome him. India and Seychelles share strong bilateral ties, and we look forward to further strengthening this relationship during his visit.”

Dhanlakshmi, another member of the Indian diaspora, said she felt honoured by the Prime Minister’s visit. “I work closely with the government on several initiatives. We also hope that, given the strong bilateral relationship between India and Seychelles, the Indian government will support the temple’s infrastructure development,” she said.

On Sunday, PM Modi attended the National Day celebrations of Seychelles as the Guest of Honour, during his State visit to the archipelagic island.

The Seychelles’ soldiers parachuted into the venue from aircraft with their national flags, with people cheering enthusiastically, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the nation’s independence.

PM Modi arrived in Seychelles on Saturday at the invitation of the President of Seychelles, Patrick Herminie.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India and Seychelles share a longstanding partnership rooted in shared historical, cultural and people-to-people ties.

As a key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean region, Seychelles holds a special place in India’s Vision ‘MAHASAGAR’ (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and our commitment to the Global South.

Earlier on Sunday, PM Modi was 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.

He also addressed the National Assembly of Seychelles and held talks with Patrick Herminie.

–IANS

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