PM Modi Begins Seychelles Visit, Set to Meet World’s Oldest Living Land Animal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a three-day visit to Seychelles, where he will attend the island nation’s National Day celebrations and meet Jonathan, the world’s oldest known living land animal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday began his official three-day visit to Seychelles, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations as India and the Indian Ocean nation celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties.

PM Modi is visiting Seychelles as the Chief Guest for the country’s Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations, with the trip expected to strengthen cooperation in maritime security, climate action and regional development.

PM Modi to meet Jonathan, the world’s oldest land animal

One of the most unique moments of the visit will be Prime Minister Modi’s scheduled meeting with Jonathan, the world’s oldest known living land animal.

Jonathan is an Aldabra giant tortoise believed to be around 194 years old and lives at the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens. Recognised by Guinness World Records, the tortoise has become a global symbol of longevity and wildlife conservation.

The interaction is expected to highlight the importance of biodiversity, environmental conservation and sustainable development—areas that have become increasingly important in India-Seychelles cooperation.

Botanical Gardens visit and tree plantation

Following his arrival, PM Modi is also scheduled to visit the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens, where he will participate in a ceremonial tree plantation.

The event is expected to reinforce the shared commitment of both countries towards protecting biodiversity, promoting environmental sustainability and enhancing climate resilience across the Indian Ocean region.

National Day celebrations

During the visit, the Prime Minister will participate in Seychelles’ Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour.

The commemorations mark 50 years of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles, reflecting decades of cooperation in development, security, healthcare, education and cultural exchange.

Maritime security high on agenda

PM Modi is also scheduled to visit the Seychelles Coast Guard Base, underlining the strategic partnership between the two nations in ensuring maritime security across the Indian Ocean.

India has remained one of Seychelles’ key partners in defence cooperation, coastal surveillance and capacity building, making maritime collaboration a central pillar of bilateral ties.

Bilateral talks with Seychelles President

As part of the visit, Prime Minister Modi will hold bilateral discussions with Seychelles President Dr Patrick Herminie.

The leaders are expected to review ongoing cooperation and explore new opportunities in sectors including:

• Maritime security
• Blue economy
• Climate change
• Defence cooperation
• Trade and investment
• People-to-people exchanges

Indian Navy ships and a contingent of Indian defence personnel are also participating in the National Day celebrations, reflecting the close strategic partnership between the two countries.

Strengthening India-Seychelles ties

PM Modi last visited Seychelles in 2015. Officials believe the latest visit will further deepen bilateral cooperation and open new avenues for economic, environmental and strategic collaboration between India and the Indian Ocean island nation.

With high-level meetings, ceremonial engagements and a symbolic interaction with Jonathan the giant tortoise, the visit is expected to reaffirm the long-standing friendship between the two countries.