The prestigious distinction was presented during PM Modi’s three-day State visit to the island nation…reports Asian Lite News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Sunday conferred the ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’, Seychelles’ highest honour for leadership in environmental conservation and sustainable development, in recognition of his commitment to green growth and global climate action.
The prestigious distinction was presented during PM Modi’s three-day State visit to the island nation, highlighting the deepening partnership between India and Seychelles and acknowledging his efforts to promote sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
The award recognises PM Modi’s long-standing emphasis on balancing economic development with environmental protection, as well as his initiatives to advance renewable energy, climate resilience and sustainable growth both in India and globally.
The honour adds to a growing list of international recognitions bestowed on the Prime Minister for his leadership in sustainability, climate action and agricultural development.
Earlier this year, PM Modi received the 2026 Agricola Medal, the highest honour of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), during a ceremony at the FAO headquarters in Rome.
The medal was presented by FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu in recognition of PM Modi’s contributions to global food security, agricultural development and farmer welfare.
In 2018, he was awarded the Seoul Peace Prize for his contribution to sustainable economic growth, inclusive development and international cooperation.
The same year, the United Nations honoured him with the Champions of the Earth Award for Policy Leadership, the UN’s highest environmental recognition, presented by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
PM Modi is currently on a State visit to Seychelles as the Guest of Honour at the country’s Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations.
During the visit, he held wide-ranging talks with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie at the State House in Victoria to review bilateral ties and explore avenues for expanding cooperation across several sectors.
Before the meeting, the Prime Minister was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour.
On the first day of his visit, PM Modi handed over a ‘Made in India’ Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV), PS LESPWAR, to President Herminie at the Seychelles Coast Guard Base in Victoria.
The vessel is expected to strengthen Seychelles’ maritime surveillance capabilities and enhance patrols across its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), reinforcing the island nation’s maritime security architecture.
In another significant gesture, India also handed over six ambulances, 10 utility vehicles and five laser radial boats to support Seychelles’ healthcare, emergency response and maritime operations.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the assistance reflected India’s continued commitment to strengthening the country’s development and security under its Vision MAHASAGAR, which focuses on enhancing maritime cooperation and ensuring peace, security and prosperity across the Indian Ocean Region.
“Together as partners. Stronger as one,” the MEA said in a post on X, describing the delivery of the patrol vessel and other assistance as another milestone in the expanding India-Seychelles strategic partnership.
The two leaders also planted a sapling of the rare Coco de Mer palm at the Seychelles National Botanical Garden, symbolising the shared commitment of both countries towards biodiversity conservation and environmental protection.
PM Modi arrived in Seychelles on Saturday to participate as the Guest of Honour at the country’s 50th National Day celebrations. The visit is expected to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas including defence, maritime security, climate resilience, development partnership, healthcare and people-to-people ties.
The latest honour reflects the growing international recognition of PM Modi’s environmental initiatives while underscoring the importance Seychelles attaches to its longstanding partnership with India in promoting sustainable development and security in the Indian Ocean region.
