Modi says chutney and samosa reflect India-Seychelles shared heritage

Victoria,UPDATED: Jun 28, 2026 20:38 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said chutney and samosa are among the everyday reminders of the shared heritage of India and Seychelles, as he highlighted the deep people-to-people ties between the two countries. Addressing the Assembly of Seychelles during his three-day visit to the archipelagic nation, Modi said the links between the two societies can be seen in food, festivals and cultural traditions.

He also said 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between India and Seychelles, while describing the relationship as one built on warmth, trust and goodwill over more than two and a half centuries. Modi said India would remain Seychelles' "trusted partner" and continue to support its aspirations.

Calling the people of Seychelles the country's "greatest strength", Modi said people from different parts of the world had arrived there over generations, bringing with them different languages, customs, beliefs and traditions. "And together, they built a shared identity that is proudly Seychellois," he said.

Referring to the Assembly's motto, "Unity in Diversity", Modi said the cultural links between India and Seychelles are visible in everyday life when the country celebrates the richness of its heritage. "They can be felt in the flavours of Kari Koko, Samosa, and Chutney. They can be found in the celebrations of Deepavali, Thai Pongal, and the Garba dance during Navratri. This is the Creole spirit that gives us great confidence in the future of our friendship," he said.

Modi said, "Today, as I stand before you in this historic Golden Jubilee year, our people are celebrating a friendship that stretches back more than two and a half centuries." He added, "Few partnerships are built on foundations as deep. And few partnerships have grown with such warmth, trust, and goodwill. As we look ahead, let us continue to build upon these foundations." He also said, "We will support your aspirations. And we will stand beside you as friends."

Looking ahead, Modi said, "The last fifty years have been remarkable. But I firmly believe that the best chapters of the Seychelles story are yet to be written. And the best of our friendship is yet to come." According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the first small group of five Indians arrived in Seychelles in 1770. The ministry also said that of Seychelles' population of about 120,000, around 5,000 are people of Indian origin, underlining the long-standing links that Modi highlighted in his address.

With PTI Inputs

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