PM Narendra Modi Meets World's Oldest Living Land Animal in Seychelles

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday began his three-day State Visit to Seychelles with a visit to the National Botanical Garden in Victoria, where he joined Seychelles President Patrick Herminie in touring the sanctuary, feeding giant tortoises and reinforcing the close ties between the two countries.

PM Modi, Herminie visit botanical garden and meet Jonathan

Shortly after arriving in the island nation, Prime Minister Modi visited the National Botanical Garden of Seychelles alongside President Patrick Herminie.

During the tour, the Prime Minister was seen feeding several giant tortoises, including Jonathan, the famed 194-year-old tortoise recognised as the world's oldest living land animal.

The two leaders also planted a commemorative sapling within the botanical garden and interacted with conservatory staff, who briefed them on the sanctuary's distinctive flora and fauna.

As they travelled from the airport to the botanical garden, Modi shared a photograph with President Herminie on X and wrote, "On the way to the Seychelles National Botanical Garden with President Dr. Patrick Herminie."

Warm welcome marks start of State Visit

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Seychelles on Saturday afternoon for a three-day visit during which he will serve as the Guest of Honour at the country's National Day celebrations, commemorating 50 years of independence from the United Kingdom in 1976.

In a special diplomatic gesture, President Herminie personally received the Prime Minister at the airport along with senior cabinet ministers and government officials.

The arrival ceremony featured cultural performances, including a traditional dance from the Kutch region of Gujarat. Highlighting the cultural connection between the two countries, Modi wrote on X, "Amazing cultural connect! The welcome at the airport in Seychelles included a dance from Kutch. The manner in which our diaspora has preserved and celebrated culture from different parts of India is appreciable."

The Prime Minister also shared photographs and videos of the reception, thanking members of the Indian diaspora for their warm welcome.

Focus on strengthening India-Seychelles partnership

Following his arrival, Modi emphasised the importance of India-Seychelles relations and expressed confidence that the visit would further deepen bilateral cooperation.

"Landed in Seychelles. Deeply appreciate the warm welcome extended at the airport by Dr. Patrick Herminie. 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 posted on X.

The visit is expected to focus on strengthening strategic, maritime and developmental cooperation between the two countries, which share longstanding ties in the Indian Ocean region.

(With inputs from ANI)