सेशेल्स में मोदी को गार्ड ऑफ ऑनर दिया गया: राष्ट्रपति हर्मिनी के साथ द्विपक्षीय बैठक शुरू; पीएम संसद को संबोधित करेंगे

5 Indians were included in the first settlement of Seychelles

Portuguese sailor Vasco da Gama first discovered Seychelles in 1502. At that time there was no permanent settlement of people here. After this, Arab and European ships continued to stop here for several centuries, but no permanent population formed.

First In 1770, France established the first permanent settlement. This group included 15 French settlers, 7 African slaves and 5 Indians. He is considered to be the first permanent resident of Seychelles. After this, during the British rule in the 19th century, people from Bhojpuri speaking areas of Bihar also started coming and settling here. Since the 20th century, a large number of Indian businessmen, laborers and construction workers from Tamil Nadu and Gujarat also arrived in Seychelles.

Former President of Seychelles has ancestors from Bihar

Today, people of Indian origin constitute about 8% of the population in this country with a population of about 1.20 lakh. The Bihari community is considered to be the third largest group among people of Indian origin. Wavel Ramkalawan, who became President in the year 2020, also has his roots in Bihar.

Ramkalavan’s great grandfather had reached Kolkata about 138 years ago from Parsauni village in Gopalganj district of Bihar. From there he was sent to Mauritius to work in the sugarcane fields. His family later settled in Seychelles. In 2018, when Ramkalavan was the opposition MP, he had also visited his ancestral village Parsauni.

Seychelles turtles are famous for their long life

There are more than 360 species of turtles in the world. Among these, the Aldabra Giant Tortoise found in Seychelles is one of the most famous species. This species is known for its extremely long lifespan (average lifespan 150 years).

The world’s oldest living terrestrial animal, Jonathan, is also a tortoise of this species. Jonathan’s age is considered to be around 194 years. He was born about 1832. He was deported from the Seychelles to St. Helena in 1882 at the age of about 50.

Scientists are studying his DNA to know the secret of his long life. He believes that his cells do not change as fast as human cells. This may reveal new secrets related to aging and longer life.

The world’s oldest living tortoise. His name is Jonathan. It belongs to the Aldabra Giant Tortoise species and lives on the island of St. Helena located in the Atlantic Ocean.

Modi said- India and Seychelles complete 50 years of diplomatic relations

PM Modi said on Seychelles visit – Seychelles is an important maritime neighbor of India and a major partner of ‘Vision Ocean (MAHASAGAR)’. This year marks the completion of 50 years of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles. Relations between the two countries are based on mutual trust, democratic values, respect for diversity and deep people-to-people ties.

After President Harmini’s visit to India in February 2026, discussions will now be held on further strengthening bilateral relations in this visit. The two countries will work together to advance security, prosperity and development in the Indian Ocean region.

I will be the first Indian Prime Minister to address the National Assembly of Seychelles. The occasion reflects the strong democratic values ​​and parliamentary traditions of both the countries. There will also be an opportunity to meet the Indian community settled in Seychelles, which has strengthened the friendship between the two countries for generations.

I am confident that this visit will further deepen India-Seychelles relations, enhance maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean and advance the shared vision of a secure, peaceful and prosperous Indian Ocean region.

Modi is only the second Prime Minister to visit Seychelles

Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had visited Seychelles in 1976. Seychelles became independent in the same year. India also sent naval warship INS Nilgiri to the independence celebrations of Seychelles. After this, Indira Gandhi again visited Seychelles in 1981.

After his visit, no Indian Prime Minister had visited Seychelles for almost 34 years. The biggest objective of this visit was to strengthen India’s strategic presence and maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.

During Modi’s visit, India announced the delivery of a second Dornier maritime surveillance aircraft to Seychelles to strengthen maritime surveillance and coastal security.

Modi inaugurated the coastal surveillance radar network built with the help of India. It was part of India’s larger strategy to monitor ships and enhance maritime security in the Indian Ocean.

At that time China was increasing its influence in the island countries of the Indian Ocean. In such a situation, Modi’s visit was considered an important part of India’s policy of ‘neighborhood first’ and strengthening strategic partnership in the Indian Ocean.

—————

Read this news also…

PM Modi fed leaves to turtles in Seychelles, VIDEO: 256 years ago, 5 Indians had come to live there; Now every 8th citizen is of Indian origin

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Seychelles on Saturday on a three-day visit. President Patrick Hermini welcomed him in the capital Victoria. Both the leaders fed leaves to the Aldabra Giant Tortoises at the National Botanical Garden. Modi will also be the chief guest at the 50th National Day celebrations of Seychelles on June 29.

The relationship of this small island country situated in the Indian Ocean with India is not only strategic, but also 256 years old. When the first permanent settlement was established here in the year 1770, 5 Indians were also included among the 27 people who reached there. Later, a large number of Indians from Bihar, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat also came and settled here. Read the full news…