Modi in Seychelles: PM feeds giant tortoises, plants iconic Coco de Mer

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Seychelles on Saturday (June 27) on a three-day official visit. Along with President Patrick Herminie, he visited the giant tortoise enclosure at the Seychelles National Botanical Garden in the country's capital, Victoria and took part in a tree plantation ceremony.

At the tree plantation ceremony, Modi highlighted the two countries' shared commitment to biodiversity conservation and environmental protection.

Feeding tortoises

Modi said the Aldabra Giant Tortoise, native to Seychelles, is among the largest and longest-living species on Earth, with some individuals witnessing more than two centuries of history. He was seen feeding the tortoises.

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"The Aldabra Giant Tortoise also have an association with the special friendship between India and Seychelles. In 2014, two of them were gifted to the Alipore Zoo in Kolkata. A few years later, Seychelles gifted a few more tortoises to Hyderabad Zoo," the prime minister said in a post on X, after visiting the enclosure.

Some reports in India wrongly claimed that Modi fed the 194-year-old Aldabra Giant Tortoise ‘Jonathan’, recognised as the world's oldest living land animal.

According to the Guinness World Records, the oldest-known living terrestrial animal is Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea hololissa), originally from the Seychelles but now a long-time resident of the remote South Atlantic island of St Helena.

Planting iconic Coco de Mer

At the botanical garden, Modi and Herminie planted the iconic Coco de Mer, a species unique to Seychelles.

Calling it "a very special ceremony, highlighting a shared commitment to a greener planet", Modi noted that the Coco de Mer is widely respected in Seychelles and features on the country's coat of arms.

He said the species is celebrated for producing among the largest seeds and the heaviest fruits.

"India and Seychelles share a common resolve to safeguard biodiversity, promote environmental stewardship and leave behind a greener, healthier planet for future generations," Modi said.

Grand welcome at airport

Upon arrival, Modi was given a grand welcome by President Herminie and a high-level delegation. The prime minister also received a ceremonial Guard of Honour.

In the airport, Modi was greeted by dance performances - among them one group performed a dance from Kutch.

A large number of people belonging to the Indian diaspora also gathered outside the airport to welcome Modi.

National Day of Seychelles

Earlier, before his departure from New Delhi, Modi said he is undertaking the state visit at the invitation of Herminie. He will participate in the golden jubilee celebrations of the National Day of Seychelles as the Guest of Honour.

During the visit, Modi will have the honour of becoming the first Indian prime minister to address the National Assembly of Seychelles.

Officials said a contingent of the Indian armed forces, along with two ships of the Indian Navy, will participate in the celebrations.

Modi last visited Seychelles in 2015. India and Seychelles share a longstanding partnership rooted in shared historical, cultural and people-to-people ties.

As a key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean region, Seychelles holds a special place in India's Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and our commitment to the Global South, the officials said.