Modi tells Seychelles climate action must be fair for island nations

Victoria,UPDATED: Jun 28, 2026 17:22 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the Global South, especially island nations, was bearing the brunt of climate change, and called for equitable climate action while addressing the Assembly of Seychelles. He said countries that had contributed the least to climate change should not carry the greatest burden of its consequences.

During his address, Modi also said India and Seychelles shared a vision of more inclusive development and would continue to work together for the interests of the Global South. He underlined the close ties between the two countries and proposed widening cooperation in key sectors.

Highlighting the impact of climate change, Modi said its effects were already visible on coastlines, in marine ecosystems, in weather patterns and in communities. "The Global South, and especially the island nations, are the most impacted by climate change. Its effects are already visible on our coastlines, in the marine ecosystem, in weather patterns, and in our communities," said Modi, who is on a three-day visit to the archipelagic nation.

He reiterated that climate action must be guided by "fairness, responsibility and equity". Modi said India and Seychelles were united by a common approach to development and the Global South. "This is the spirit that unites the Global South. And this is the vision that India and Seychelles will continue to advance together," he said.

The prime minister also stressed the importance of the relationship between the two countries in the Indian Ocean region. "Seychelles occupies a special place for India's vision in the Indian Ocean," he said. "The Indian Ocean does not separate India and Seychelles. It connects us." He also proposed deeper bilateral cooperation in fisheries, marine science, coastal management, renewable energy and sustainable tourism, saying, "Together, we can build partnerships in fisheries, marine science, coastal management, renewable energy, and sustainable tourism."

Modi's address focused on the impact of climate change on island nations, the need for fair climate action, and the commitment of India and Seychelles to work together on the concerns of the Global South and expand cooperation in several sectors.

With PTI Inputs

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