Modi calls for climate justice in Seychelles, backs island nations

Victoria,UPDATED: Jun 28, 2026 18:38 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the Global South, especially island nations, was being hit the hardest by climate change, and called for action based on fairness, responsibility and equity. Addressing the Assembly of Seychelles during his three-day visit to the country, he also pushed for stronger India-Seychelles ties in the blue economy and digital innovation.

Modi said India and Seychelles shared a common vision of a more inclusive world order and of international institutions that reflected present-day realities. He said both countries would continue to work together to advance the interests of the Global South, while India would remain a trusted partner for Seychelles.

Speaking on climate change, Modi said its impact could already be seen on coastlines, marine ecosystems, weather patterns and communities. "The Global South, and especially the island nations, are the most impacted by climate change. Its effects are already visible on our coastlines, in the marine ecosystems, in weather patterns, and in our communities," he said.

He said those who had contributed the least to climate change should not bear the heaviest burden of its effects, adding that climate action must be guided by "fairness, responsibility, and equity". "This is the essence of climate justice," he said. Modi added that India would continue to work with Seychelles to ensure that the concerns of Small Island Developing States received the attention they deserved.

On bilateral ties, Modi said the Indian Ocean connected India and Seychelles rather than separating them. He said India saw Seychelles as more than a group of islands, describing it as "not a small island state - but a large ocean country" with a maritime domain of nearly 1.4 million square kilometres. He praised Seychelles for taking the lead in the blue economy even before it became part of global discussions, including through innovations such as Blue Bonds. He proposed deeper cooperation in fisheries, marine science, coastal management, renewable energy and sustainable tourism.

Modi also identified digital innovation as another major area for cooperation. He said India's digital public infrastructure had shown how technology could widen opportunity, improve governance, strengthen financial inclusion and deliver services to hundreds of millions of people. He said India would be happy to share its experience and expertise as Seychelles pursued its own digital transformation.

Earlier in the day, Modi held delegation-level talks with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie, during which the two sides reviewed the full range of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. After the meeting, Modi said India envisaged an Indian Ocean where maritime security went hand in hand with economic prosperity and where partnership rested not on size but on mutual respect and trust.

Modi also reaffirmed India's commitment to its relationship with Seychelles, saying India would remain the country's trusted partner, celebrate its achievements, support its aspirations and stand beside it as a friend. He was conferred the honorary "Guardian of the Blue Horizon" title by Seychelles for his steadfast commitment to environmental conservation and for advancing the aspirations of the Small Island Developing States, becoming the first recipient of the honour. During the state visit, which is being undertaken at the invitation of President Herminie, Modi will also take part in Seychelles' Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour.

In his address and meetings, Modi underlined climate justice, stronger cooperation in the blue economy and digital innovation, and a shared commitment by India and Seychelles to work together on issues concerning the Global South.

With PTI Inputs

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