Very excited: Indian diaspora in Seychelles ahead of PM Modi's Navashakti Vinayakar Temple visit

Victoria, June 29 (IANS) Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Navashakti Vinayakar Temple in Victoria during his trip to Seychelles, members of the Indian diaspora on Monday expressed excitement and said they were eagerly looking forward to welcoming him.

Speaking to IANS, several members of the Indian community said extensive preparations had been made for the Prime Minister's visit, which coincides with Seychelles' 50th National Day celebrations.

One community member said, "We are very happy that Prime Minister Modi is visiting us on the occasion of the 50th National Day. All the arrangements have been made smoothly. We will pray at the temple for his long life and wish that he continues serving the people of India. We have also organised cultural programmes to welcome him."

Another member of the diaspora, Shashi, said, "The Indian community in Seychelles is very excited about PM Modi's visit. We are delighted to welcome him. India and Seychelles share strong bilateral ties, and we look forward to further strengthening this relationship during his visit."

Dhanlakshmi, another member of the Indian diaspora, said she felt honoured by the Prime Minister's visit. "I work closely with the government on several initiatives. We also hope that, given the strong bilateral relationship between India and Seychelles, the Indian government will support the temple's infrastructure development," she said.

Meanwhile, the National Day celebrations of Seychelles began with parades, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending the event as the Guest of Honour, during his State visit to the archipelagic island.

The Seychelles' soldiers parachuted into the venue from aircraft with their national flags, with people cheering enthusiastically, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the nation's independence.

PM Modi arrived in Seychelles on Saturday at the invitation of the President of Seychelles, Patrick Herminie.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, and Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, are also present at the event.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), 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.

Earlier on Sunday, PM Modi was conferred the 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon', Seychelles' highest distinction for leadership in environmental conservation and sustainable development.

The award acknowledges PM Modi's long-standing push for sustainable growth and his green vision.

This is the latest in a series of global honours recognising PM Modi's work on climate action, sustainable development, and green growth.

PM Modi thanked the people and the government of Seychelles after being conferred the 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon', Seychelles' highest distinction for leadership in environmental conservation and sustainable development.

He dedicated the award to the nations fighting against the challenge of climate change and considers environmental protection their responsibility towards future generations.