Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that at a time when the Global South, especially island nations, has been hardest hit by climate change, developed countries must bear a greater burden of climate action, while global institutions must reflect contemporary realities and help shape a collective, inclusive and just future.
Modi made the remarks while addressing an extraordinary session of the National Assembly in Seychelles, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. Besides highlighting the historical ties between India and Seychelles, he emphasized the shared values of democracy and rule of law and noted that mutual trust has formed a key partnership in development cooperation, maritime security and capacity building.
“The Global South, especially island nations, are the most affected by climate change… and we both firmly believe that those who have contributed the least to climate change should not bear the brunt of its consequences,” he said. “Climate action must be guided by justice, responsibility and fairness. This is the essence of climate justice.”
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In this context, he pointed to India’s initiatives, such as one of the world’s largest expansions of renewable energy, the International Solar Alliance, the Alliance for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, the Global Biofuels Alliance, and working with partner countries to promote the green transition. He said: “Both Seychelles and India seek a world in which development is more inclusive. We both seek a world in which international institutions reflect contemporary realities. We believe that our common future must be shaped collectively, comprehensively and justly.” This spirit has led India to place the priorities of the Global South at the center of international discussions.
Modi noted that Seychelles was the first Indian Ocean country he visited in 2015, after becoming Prime Minister, and this was also his first trip to Africa. “I came here because I believe that Seychelles occupies a special place in India’s vision of the Indian Ocean. Today, as I return here after a decade, this conviction is stronger than ever,” he said, noting that the friendship between the two sides goes back to August 1770, when five Indians were among those who arrived on St. Anne’s Island on board the ship Thelmac.
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He also highlighted the strong security and defense partnership between the two sides, with the defense forces, coast guard and maritime agencies training and working closely together.
He said the Seychelles Defense Forces and Coast Guard play a vital role in protecting the wider Indian Ocean, and bilateral cooperation in maritime security, hydrography and maritime domain awareness reflects the shared commitment to a safer and more secure region.
India’s vision of Mahasagar (mutual and comprehensive advancement of security and growth across regions) “recognizes that our future is interconnected and interconnected, and the two countries will continue to work together to make the Indian Ocean safer and more secure,” Modi said.
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Seychelles is more than just a group of islands in the Indian Ocean, its maritime domain extends across nearly 1.4 million square kilometres, making it a “big ocean state” whose efforts to protect marine ecosystems and develop innovations such as blue bonds have helped shape important global conversations. “Together, we can build partnerships in fisheries, marine science, coastal management, renewable energy and sustainable tourism,” he said.
Modi noted that one in every 50 people in Seychelles has undergone some training in India, and this includes students, professionals, officials and security forces. He suggested digital innovation, including India’s digital public infrastructure, as a focus area for collaboration to expand opportunities, improve governance and enhance financial inclusion and service delivery.
