INDIA AND SEYCHELLES SHARE AN ENDURING BOND ROOTED IN CENTURIES-OLD CIVILISATIONAL TIES: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

The bilateral parliamentary dialogue between Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Seychelles' first woman Speaker Azarel Yolanda Ernesta on September 2, 2026, represents a significant milestone in India's engagement with the Indian Ocean region. This meeting coincided with the dual 50th anniversaries — Seychelles' independence (June 29, 1976) and the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations — underscoring the depth and longevity of this partnership. The relationship transcends conventional diplomacy, rooted in centuries-old civilisational connections that predate modern statehood. Indian merchants, traders, and settlers were among the earliest inhabitants of the Seychelles archipelago, weaving Indic culture into the social fabric of the island nation. This historical foundation is reinforced by a vibrant Indian diaspora that continues to strengthen people-to-people ties. Key stakeholders in this engagement include the parliamentary leadership of both countries, with Speaker Ernesta's personal connection to India — having participated in the Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and Training (BPST), now PRIDE — adding a unique dimension. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic address to an Extraordinary Sitting of the National Assembly of Seychelles during his recent state visit marked the first time an Indian Prime Minister addressed the Seychellois legislature, infusing fresh momentum into bilateral relations. The warmth between PM Modi and Seychelles President Dr. Patrick Herminie reflects the high-level political commitment driving this partnership. For India, Seychelles holds strategic significance under Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), India's comprehensive framework for Indian Ocean engagement. As a trusted partner in the region, Seychelles is crucial for promoting regional peace, stability, and prosperity, particularly through multilateral forums like the United Nations, IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association), and the Colombo Security Conclave. Cooperation spans health, digital transformation, infrastructure, and renewable energy — sectors aligned with India's SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine and its commitment to being the 'first responder' in the Indian Ocean. Constitutionally, this engagement reflects Article 51 of the Directive Principles of State Policy, which mandates the promotion of international peace and security, maintenance of just and honourable relations between nations, and encouragement of settlement of international disputes by arbitration. The parliamentary dimension strengthens democratic institutions, aligning with India's identity as the 'mother of democracy' — a phrase echoed by Speaker Ernesta. The emphasis on digital parliament initiatives, including AI-enabled translation into 22 Indian languages and the Digital Parliament platform, showcases India's technological prowess and willingness to share capacity-building expertise through PRIDE (Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies). Future implications include deepened parliamentary exchanges, customised training programmes for Seychellois legislators, and expanded cooperation in yoga promotion — leveraging India's soft power. The focus on amplifying the Global South's voice positions both nations as advocates for equitable global governance. As India seeks to counterbalance extra-regional powers in the Indian Ocean, strengthening ties with Seychelles — strategically located near vital sea lanes — will remain a foreign policy priority, with parliamentary diplomacy serving as a vital pillar of this enduring partnership.