India and the Indian Ocean island of Seychelles strengthened their ties as Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here for a brief visit that saw the inking of four pacts, including one on boosting maritime security.
Modi, the first by an Indian PM to visit in 34 years, was warmly greeted at the airport President James Michel, vice-president Danny Faure and members of the Indian community.
Addressing the media after talks with President Michel, Modi said their bilateral ties is “nurtured by a common purpose — progress of our people and peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region”.
“Our security partnership is strong. It has enabled us to fulfill our shared responsibility to advance maritime security in the region,” said Modi as he announced another Dornier aircraft for Seychelles and also a Coastal Surveillance Radar Project as a symbol of bilateral cooperation.
Earlier, Michel said Modi’s visit was a “symbol of the excellent ties between our two peoples” and that India is a close friend of the Seychelles.
The two sides inked four agreements, including on cooperation in hydrography, renewable energy, infrastructure development and sale of navigation charts and electronic navigational charts.
{{/usCountry}}The two sides inked four agreements, including on cooperation in hydrography, renewable energy, infrastructure development and sale of navigation charts and electronic navigational charts.
{{/usCountry}}Earlier, Michel said Modi’s visit was a “symbol of the excellent ties between our two peoples” and that India is a close friend of the Seychelles.
Modi later left for Mauritius, the next stop on his three-nation diplomatic tour of Indian Ocean states. He will also visit Sri Lanka.