President of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr Patrick Herminie, welcomed the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, who arrived in Seychelles early afternoon today aboard Air India for his State Visit to Seychelles, where he will serve as the Guest of Honour for the nation’s 50th Anniversary of Independence celebrations.

Following the playing of the national anthems of both countries, President Dr Patrick Herminie and PM Modi received the military salute during the Guard of Honour inspection led by Captain Stan Thomkin. PM Modi was then introduced to the Vice President of Seychelles, Mr Sebastien Pillay, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr Barry Faure, as well as other high dignitaries from Seychelles.

President Dr Patrick Herminie was subsequently introduced to Dr S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, along with other senior members of the Indian delegation. The Prime Minister then briefly enjoyed a vibrant cultural welcome, witnessing a traditional Seychellois moutya performance by a local group of dancers, followed by a performance of Nrutya, an authentic folk dance from Kutch, Gujarat, presented in honour of the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi.

The folk performance was delivered by 18 members of the Seychellois Indian diaspora originally from Kutch, Gujarat, celebrating cultural heritage and the spirit of Independence. The arrival ceremony concluded with PM Modi greeting members of the Indian diaspora residing in Seychelles, as well as a group of students from Cascade School who were also present at the airport to welcome him.

This marks PM Modi’s second State Visit to Seychelles. Earlier this year, President Dr Patrick Herminie undertook a State Visit to India. The visit also coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Seychelles and India.