Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached a significant diplomatic milestone by addressing the National Assembly of Seychelles. During his historic speech, the Prime Minister emphasized the deep-rooted ties between the two nations, describing the Indian Ocean as a shared home for both India and Seychelles. This address marks a pivotal moment in India's maritime diplomacy and its commitment to the security and growth of the Indian Ocean region.
A Special Honor in Seychelles
Addressing the National Assembly, Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude, stating that it was a special honor for him to stand before the house as the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. 4 billion people of India to the people of Seychelles. Reflecting on his personal journey as the head of the Indian government, he recalled that Seychelles was the very first country in the Indian Ocean region that he visited after assuming office in 2015. He noted that his belief in the strategic importance of Seychelles within India's vision for the Indian Ocean has only grown stronger over the past decade. The Prime Minister also expressed his delight in joining the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of Seychelles' independence.
A Historic Milestone: The 20th Parliamentary Address
This address to the Seychelles National Assembly is the 20th parliament that Prime Minister Modi has addressed during his tenure. His journey of addressing global legislative bodies began shortly after he took office in 2014, when he addressed the parliaments of Bhutan, Nepal, Australia, and Fiji. The following year, in 2015, he continued this diplomatic outreach by addressing the National Assembly of Mauritius and the parliaments of Sri Lanka, Mongolia, the United Kingdom, and Afghanistan.
Global Outreach and Historic Records
The Prime Minister's engagement with global legislatures continued in 2016 with an address to the United States Congress. In 2023, he addressed the US Congress for a second time, making him the first Indian Prime Minister to address a joint session of the US Congress twice. Between these major visits, he also addressed the parliaments of Uganda in 2018, the Maldives in 2019, and Guyana in 2024. The momentum increased in 2025, when during his visits in July, he addressed the national parliaments of Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Namibia. This was followed by an address to a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament in December 2025, showcasing India's deepening relationship with Africa and the Global South.
Recent Diplomatic Achievements
Earlier this year, on February 25, 2026, Prime Minister Modi created history by becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the 'Knesset', the parliament of Israel, during his state visit to Jerusalem. His latest address in Seychelles further cements India's role as a key partner in the Indian Ocean and a leading voice for the Global South, reflecting a decade of consistent and proactive international engagement.