Seychelles not small island state but large ocean country, says PM Modi

Victoria, June 28 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted the importance of Seychelles in the maritime domain.

“Your maritime domain extends across nearly 1.4 million square kilometres. This makes Seychelles not a small island state but a large ocean country. Long before the blue economy became a part of global discussions, Seychelles was already leading the way,” PM Modi highlighted during his special address in the National Assembly of Seychelles during his state visit to the archipelagic island.

Seychelles has helped shape important global conversations in protecting marine ecosystems and in advancing innovations like blue bonds, he said.

“When people look at a map, they may see Seychelles as a group of islands in the Indian Ocean. But we see something much greater. We see a nation whose horizons stretch far beyond its shores,” the Prime Minister said.

“The efforts being made by you to protect and preserve this natural wonder reflect our larger philosophy that humanity must live in harmony with nature. This sentiment resonates deeply in India as well. Let us work together to ensure that future generations inherit oceans that are healthier, safer, and more abundant than those we enjoy today,” he added.

According to PM Modi, the Global South and the island nations are the most impacted by climate change, and effects are already visible on coastlines, marine ecosystems, weather patterns, and in communities.

“Climate action must be guided by fairness, responsibility, and equity. This is the essence of climate justice,” he stressed.

“India has sought to lead by example. Over the last decade, we have undertaken one of the world’s largest expansions of renewable energy. We have championed sustainable lifestyles through Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment). Through our initiatives, like the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the Coalition for Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA), and ‘Ek Ped Maa Kee Naam’ (a tree in mother’s remembrance), we have worked with partner countries to boost the green transition,” he noted.

The PM congratulated the government and people of Seychelles on the 50th anniversary of Independence and highlighted the special India-Seychelles partnership founded on shared values, strong people-to-people ties and mutual trust.

“PM also underscored the special place Seychelles occupies in India’s Vision MAHASAGAR and its commitment to the Global South.PM underscored India’s transformative development journey and called for stronger parliamentary exchanges, while advocating deeper cooperation in security, human development and sustainability for mutual benefit,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) wrote on X.

This is the 20th parliament which PM Modi has addressed.

–IANS

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