PM Modi urges climate action to protect island nations, as he called for a fair and equitable global response to climate change during his three-day state visit to Seychelles. Addressing the National Assembly of Seychelles, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted that the Global South, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS), bears the brunt of climate change despite contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions. According to the United Nations, SIDS account for less than 1% of global carbon emissions but face some of the world’s highest climate risks, including rising sea levels, coastal erosion, stronger storms, and marine ecosystem degradation.

Emphasizing the principles of fairness, responsibility, and equity, the Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting vulnerable island nations through climate cooperation, sustainable development, and clean energy partnerships.

Climate Justice at the Centre of India’s Message

During his address, PM Modi stressed that climate change is already affecting coastlines, marine biodiversity, weather systems, and local communities across island nations. He reiterated that countries with the lowest historical emissions should not bear the greatest consequences of the climate crisis, describing climate justice as the foundation of global climate action.

• The Prime Minister assured that India would continue working closely with Seychelles to ensure that the concerns of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) receive greater international attention and policy support.
• Recognizing his longstanding commitment to environmental conservation and support for island nations, Seychelles conferred upon PM Modi the honorary title “Guardian of the Blue Horizon,” making him the first recipient of the distinction.

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Expanding India-Seychelles Partnership

• Beyond climate action, PM Modi urges climate action to protect island nations while proposing stronger bilateral cooperation in sectors critical to sustainable development.
• He praised Seychelles for pioneering the blue economy, noting that the island nation promoted sustainable ocean-based development long before it became a global policy priority.
• The Prime Minister proposed expanding collaboration in fisheries, marine science, coastal resource management, renewable energy, and sustainable tourism to strengthen economic resilience while protecting marine ecosystems.

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Digital Innovation and Sustainable Growth

PM Modi also highlighted India’s experience in developing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), stating that technology has transformed governance, financial inclusion, and public service delivery for hundreds of millions of people.

He offered India’s expertise to support Seychelles’ digital transformation journey, emphasizing that digital innovation can complement sustainable development by improving governance, enhancing public services, and creating new economic opportunities.

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Strengthening Maritime Cooperation

Earlier in the day, PM Modi held delegation-level talks with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie, where both leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation and discussed regional and international issues.

The Prime Minister said India envisions an Indian Ocean region where maritime security and economic prosperity advance together through partnerships built on mutual respect, trust, and shared interests, rather than the size of nations.

The visit reinforces India’s growing engagement with Small Island Developing States as part of its broader Global South strategy. By combining climate action, maritime cooperation, renewable energy, and digital innovation, India and Seychelles aim to strengthen a partnership focused on sustainable development, regional stability, and climate resilience in the Indian Ocean.

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