Lok Sabha Speaker Mr Om Birla on September 2 held discussions with H.E. Ms Azarel Ernesta, Speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles, and the visiting parliamentary delegation, underlining the importance of sustained parliamentary exchanges between the two countries. Their talks covered an expansive range of areas, including capacity building, Digital Parliament, Artificial Intelligence (AI), technology, infrastructure, renewable energy and healthcare, reflecting the increasingly multidimensional character of India-Seychelles relations.

Mr Birla expressed confidence that continuous engagement between the two legislatures would inject fresh momentum into the bilateral partnership while reinforcing the close and enduring ties between the two countries. Welcoming H.E. Ms Ernesta and her delegation to the Parliament of India, he said their discussions had reaffirmed the friendship between India and Seychelles, founded on shared democratic values and strengthened through expanding cooperation in areas of contemporary relevance.

The Speaker also placed the engagement within the wider context of a landmark year for Seychelles. As the island nation celebrates 50 years of Independence alongside five decades of diplomatic relations with India, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to amplifying the voice of the Global South. Mr Birla noted that Seychelles remains an important partner in advancing India’s Vision MAHASAGAR in the Indian Ocean region, adding that sustained parliamentary engagement would further consolidate the bilateral relationship.

The latest parliamentary interaction follows a high-level political engagement earlier this year. In June, Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi undertook a three-day State Visit to Seychelles at the invitation of

H.E. Mr Patrick Herminie, President of Seychelles. Mr Modi, who had last visited the island nation in 2015, held talks with President Herminie and attended the golden jubilee celebrations of Seychelles National Day as Guest of Honour.

During the visit, the Prime Minister also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at the Peace Park in Victoria and offered prayers at the Arulmigu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple. The visit carried both diplomatic and symbolic significance, coming as India and Seychelles marked five decades of formal diplomatic relations.

A further highlight was the conferment of the ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’, Seychelles’ highest distinction for leadership in environmental conservation and sustainable development, on Mr Modi. The award recognised his long-standing emphasis on sustainable growth and his green vision.

India’s engagement with Seychelles has deep historical roots and extends well beyond conventional diplomatic ties. According to the Indian High Commission in Seychelles, New Delhi has consistently supported Seychelles in its security and development priorities. The relationship today rests on a broad foundation of friendship, mutual understanding and cooperation, with parliamentary diplomacy providing another important channel for carrying that partnership into its next phase.