New Delhi, Jun 27 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Seychelles on Saturday for a three-day State Visit, describing the island nation as a "valued maritime partner" and a close friend in the Indian Ocean, while expressing confidence that the visit would further strengthen the longstanding relationship between the two countries.

Upon his arrival, Modi was welcomed at the airport by Seychelles President Patrick Herminie.

In a post on social media platform X, the Prime Minister thanked the Seychelles leadership for the reception extended to him and underlined the importance India attaches to its partnership with the strategically located Indian Ocean nation.

“Landed in Seychelles. Deeply appreciate the warm welcome extended at the airport by Dr. Patrick Herminie,” Modi wrote.

“Seychelles is a valued maritime partner and a close friend in the Indian Ocean. Looking forward to a productive visit aimed at further strengthening our longstanding ties and enhancing cooperation for the benefit of the people of our nations,” he added.

Modi's visit comes at a significant juncture as India and Seychelles mark 50 years of diplomatic relations. During the visit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to participate as the Guest of Honour in the country's Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations and hold wide-ranging talks with the Seychelles leadership.

The discussions are expected to focus on maritime security, defence cooperation, development partnerships, climate resilience, capacity building and regional stability in the Indian Ocean Region.

India and Seychelles share close historical and people-to-people ties, with New Delhi emerging as one of the island nation's key development partners over the years. India has supported several infrastructure, healthcare, education and capacity-building projects in Seychelles, while cooperation in maritime surveillance and security has become a cornerstone of bilateral relations.

The visit is also expected to reaffirm India's commitment to its vision of strengthening partnerships with Indian Ocean countries and promoting a free, open, secure and inclusive maritime region. Officials have said the engagements during the visit will provide fresh momentum to bilateral cooperation and deepen strategic ties between the two countries.

Modi's trip to Seychelles is being closely watched in the context of growing geopolitical interest in the Indian Ocean, where India has sought to expand cooperation with regional partners on security, connectivity and sustainable development. UNI SKA AAB