Modi and Herminie visit Seychelles garden, plant Coco de Mer for conservation

Victoria,UPDATED: Jun 27, 2026 17:40 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday visited the Seychelles Botanical Garden with President Patrick Herminie during his three-day official visit to the island nation. The visit focused on biodiversity and environmental protection, with the two leaders touring the giant tortoise enclosure and taking part in a tree plantation ceremony.

Modi said the visit reflected the shared commitment of India and Seychelles to conservation. He also spoke about the link between the two countries through the Aldabra Giant Tortoise, a species native to Seychelles and known as one of the largest and longest-living on Earth.

After visiting the enclosure, Modi said in a post on X that the Aldabra Giant Tortoise had seen centuries of history, with some individuals living for more than 200 years. He added, "The Aldabra Giant Tortoise also have an association with the special friendship between India and Seychelles. In 2014, two of them were gifted to the Alipore Zoo in Kolkata. A few years later, Seychelles gifted a few more tortoises to Hyderabad Zoo."

Modi and Herminie also planted the Coco de Mer at the botanical garden. The species is unique to Seychelles. Calling it "a very special ceremony, highlighting a shared commitment to a greener planet", Modi said the Coco de Mer is widely respected in Seychelles and appears on the country’s coat of arms. He said the species is celebrated for producing among the largest seeds and the heaviest fruits. Modi also said, "India and Seychelles share a common resolve to safeguard biodiversity, promote environmental stewardship and leave behind a greener, healthier planet for future generations."

Modi arrived in Seychelles on Saturday and was received by President Herminie and a high-level delegation. He was also given a ceremonial Guard of Honour. At the airport, he was welcomed with dance performances, including one by a group that performed a dance from Kutch. A large number of people from the Indian diaspora had also gathered outside the airport to welcome him. The visit brought together the ceremonial and environmental sides of India-Seychelles ties, while underlining their shared interest in protecting nature.

With PTI Inputs

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