AGP Executive Report

Blue Economy & climate diplomacy: Seychelles says the citation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Guardian of the Blue Horizon” honour was a draft that should not have circulated, after typographical errors (including on the seal) sparked a row. Agri-research for resilience: ICAR and Seychelles’ Agriculture Department signed an MoU and a 2026–2031 work plan focused on climate-smart agriculture, horticulture, post-harvest, livestock and sustainable food security. Maritime security support: India handed over a “Made in India” fast patrol vessel plus ambulances, utility vehicles and laser-guided boats to strengthen Seychelles’ EEZ surveillance. UN tourism push: Seychelles welcomed UN Tourism and African delegates ahead of the 69th UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa meeting in Mahé, with a focus on sustainable tourism and human capital. World Heritage safeguards: UNESCO says Seychelles paused a luxury hotel project near Aldabra and is reviewing compliance with environmental rules to protect the atoll’s Outstanding Universal Value. Mosquito-borne health watch: Reports note imported dengue and chikungunya risks linked to travellers, urging protection measures for visitors and residents.

UNESCO & Aldabra: UNESCO says Seychelles paused a planned luxury hotel near Assomption Island and is reviewing the project to meet environmental rules, while UNESCO and IUCN stand ready to help protect Aldabra’s Outstanding Universal Value. India–Seychelles climate & blue economy diplomacy: PM Narendra Modi’s 50th National Day visit delivered nine agreements (including digital payments and healthcare), a major development package, and a Made-in-India patrol vessel—plus Seychelles’ top environmental honour, “Guardian of the Blue Horizon,” even as critics questioned citation typos. Agri-research for climate-smart farming: ICAR and Seychelles’ Agriculture Department signed an MoU with a 2026–2031 work plan focused on climate-smart agriculture, horticulture, post-harvest, livestock and food security. Seychelles–China at 50: Beijing hosted receptions marking 50 years of ties, highlighting healthcare cooperation, visa-free travel and growing people-to-people tourism links. Tourism resilience & connectivity: Seychelles Tourism Minister Amanda Bernstein discussed how the country is diversifying tourism markets and monitoring aviation risks as Russian visitor interest grows. Plastic pollution talks (India): India’s UN Environment Programme delegation pushed for a focused, member-driven plastic pollution deal with support for developing countries.

Agriculture Research Boost: ICAR and Seychelles’ Agriculture Department signed an MoU to expand joint agri-research and education, with a 2026–2031 work plan targeting climate-smart farming, horticulture, post-harvest, livestock and sustainable food security. Blue Economy & Climate Diplomacy: During PM Narendra Modi’s Seychelles state visit, India and Seychelles unveiled major cooperation outcomes, including a Made-in-India fast patrol vessel and a $175m development package, alongside new agreements spanning digital payments, healthcare, maritime security, agriculture, space and legal assistance. Digital Payments Push: India’s UPI is set to be operational in Seychelles by year-end, strengthening day-to-day connectivity between the two countries. Top Environmental Honour Sparks Debate: Seychelles conferred its “Guardian of the Blue Horizon” award on Modi, but opposition and social media users questioned the rushed citation after spelling errors appeared. Plastic Pollution Talks: India outlined key positions at UN plastic pollution negotiations, calling for consensus decisions, a focus strictly on plastic pollution, and country-driven implementation with support for developing states. Biodiversity & Health Alert: A report warns that imported mosquito-borne diseases can reach Europe via travellers, noting chikungunya is commonly imported from Seychelles. China Ties at 50: China and Seychelles marked 50 years of diplomatic relations with renewed commitments across infrastructure, healthcare, tourism and the blue economy.

Maritime & Blue Economy Deal-Making: PM Narendra Modi wrapped up his Seychelles state visit with “substantive outcomes,” including 19 agreements across maritime security, digital payments, healthcare, agriculture, education and space, plus a $175m development package and a Made-in-India patrol vessel handover. Climate Leadership Award Row: Seychelles conferred its new “Guardian of the Blue Horizon” environmental honour on Modi, but opposition and social media users questioned the award’s rushed creation after spelling mistakes and claims of an AI-generated certificate surfaced. Digital Payments Push: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said UPI is targeted to be operational in Seychelles by year-end, aiming to deepen financial connectivity. Biodiversity in the Spotlight: Modi also visited the giant tortoise enclosure and planted a Coco de Mer sapling, while gifts to leaders included a Muradabadi brass tortoise and orchid-themed art linking culture to conservation. Plastic Pollution Talks: India’s UNEP delegation urged consensus-led, plastic-pollution-only scope for the global instrument, with country-driven implementation and support for developing nations. Health Watch: A Bulgaria report warned that imported mosquito-borne diseases can arrive via travellers, noting chikungunya linked to Seychelles and urging repellents and covered skin. Regional Context: Coverage also highlighted Seychelles-China tourism and people-to-people exchanges as cooperation expands beyond infrastructure and services. Local Business Note: Maritimo appointed KJM Marine as its exclusive dealer across the GCC and selected Middle East/Indian Ocean territories, including Seychelles.

Seychelles–India Green & Blue Deal: PM Narendra Modi wrapped up his 3-day Seychelles visit with 19 agreements and a $175m development package, including a plan for UPI to be operational by year-end and a Made-in-India patrol vessel for maritime security. He also became the first Indian PM to address Seychelles’ National Assembly and was conferred the new “Guardian of the Blue Horizon” award for environmental conservation and sustainable development. Diplomacy Through Crafts: Modi gifted Seychelles leaders traditional Indian handcrafts tied to nature symbolism—like a Muradabadi brass tortoise linked to Aldabra, plus silk and orchid-themed art. Award Controversy: Opposition and social media users questioned the new honour after spelling errors and claims of an AI-generated certificate image circulated. Plastic Pollution Talks: India’s UNEP delegation pushed for consensus decision-making and a plastic-pollution-only scope for the global instrument, with implementation led by countries and supported by a dedicated multilateral fund. Public Health Alert: Bulgaria warned that imported tropical mosquito-borne diseases could rise, noting chikungunya has been imported from Seychelles; travellers are urged to use repellents and cover up.

Blue Economy & Climate Diplomacy: Seychelles conferred its new highest environmental honour, “Guardian of the Blue Horizon,” on Indian PM Narendra Modi during his Golden Jubilee National Day visit, citing leadership on environmental conservation, climate resilience and sustainable development—an award created only weeks earlier after Seychelles overhauled its national awards system. Award Row: The citation and seals sparked backlash after social media users spotted spelling and seal errors and raised questions about whether an AI-generated image was used. Maritime Security & Development Deals: Modi’s three-day state visit wrapped up with 19 agreements and a $175 million package, including defence and maritime security cooperation, plus digital payments plans. UPI Push: Seychelles’ foreign secretary said UPI should be operational by year-end, following a MoU between India’s payments body and the Central Bank of Seychelles. People-to-People Links: Modi also praised the Indian diaspora as a “living bridge,” and cultural diplomacy featured traditional crafts gifts tied to Seychelles’ natural heritage. Regional Context: China’s PLA Navy contingent also took part in Seychelles’ independence parade, underscoring the wider Indian Ocean competition around security and influence.

India–Seychelles “Blue Horizon” climate honour: PM Narendra Modi was conferred Seychelles’ new “Guardian of the Blue Horizon” presidential distinction for environmental conservation, climate resilience and Blue Economy leadership, with Modi dedicating it to countries tackling climate change. Bilateral outcomes & funding: Modi’s three-day visit wrapped up with “substantive outcomes” including a $175M development package and 19 agreements across defence, maritime security, digital payments, healthcare, agriculture and education. UPI rollout: India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said UPI should be operational in Seychelles by year-end, via a MoU between NIPL and the Central Bank. Maritime security push: India also moved to deepen Indian Ocean cooperation, including renewed military adviser support and patrol vessel handovers. Controversy over the award citation: Opposition and social media users flagged spelling/typographical errors and questioned whether an AI-generated certificate image was used. Seychelles–China people-to-people ties: Seychelles Tourism and Culture Minister Amanda Bernstein said China ties are strengthening, with growing Chinese visitor interest and cultural exchange plans.

Blue Economy & Climate Diplomacy: Seychelles conferred its first-ever “Guardian of the Blue Horizon” honour on PM Narendra Modi, praising environmental conservation and support for Small Island Developing States—though the award citation sparked online mockery over spelling errors and a suspected AI-generated seal image. Bilateral Deals for Sustainability & Resilience: During the Golden Jubilee National Day visit, India and Seychelles signed a package of agreements including a Rs 1,250 crore umbrella line of credit, clean energy and health cooperation, and maritime security steps. UPI Rollout for Tourism & Trade: India’s UPI is set to go live in Seychelles by year-end, with QR-based payments aimed at boosting cashless spending for visitors and merchants. Maritime Security on Display: Indian Navy ships INS Tarkash and INS Ikshak docked at Port Victoria, while an Assam Rifles contingent and Navy marching band joined the National Day parade. Local Nature & Politics: Seychelles tourism leaders highlighted a people-and-environment-first approach as the country marks 50 years of independence.

Tourism & Culture: Seychelles Tourism Minister Amanda Bernstein says tourism and hospitality sit at the heart of people, culture and environmental values, with growing momentum in meetings and incentive travel as the Golden Jubilee peaks. Climate & Ocean Leadership: PM Narendra Modi received Seychelles’ top environmental honour, “Guardian of the Blue Horizon,” for climate action and sustainable development, dedicating it to climate warriors worldwide. Blue Economy + Climate Justice: In Seychelles’ National Assembly, Modi pushed “climate justice” for the Global South and framed the Indian Ocean as a shared home where maritime security and sustainability go together. Bilateral Deals with Environmental Angle: India and Seychelles signed pacts covering digital payments, healthcare, agriculture, maritime cooperation, space and security, including a fast patrol vessel and support like ambulances, rice and cement. Local Environment Watch: A data map highlights where safe drinking water is still out of reach globally, underscoring the clean-water gap that many countries face. Wildlife Spotlight (Politics): Opposition figures mocked Modi’s Aldabra giant tortoise moment, while the visit also included tortoise and tree-planting events tied to nature protection. Maritime Presence: Indian Navy ships INS Tarkash and INS Ikshak are docked for Seychelles’ Golden Jubilee National Day, alongside an Assam Rifles contingent and marching band.

Blue Economy & Climate Diplomacy: Seychelles President Patrick Herminie conferred on PM Narendra Modi the honorary “Guardian of the Blue Horizon” title, with Modi dedicating it to nations tackling climate change and pledging India’s support for a greener, more sustainable planet. Biodiversity in Action: During the state visit, Modi and Herminie toured the Giant Tortoise Enclosure and planted an iconic Coco de Mer sapling at the Seychelles National Botanical Garden, spotlighting biodiversity protection. Maritime Security Support: India handed over the “Made in India” Fast Patrol Vessel PS LESPWAR to the Seychelles Coast Guard, alongside ambulances, utility vehicles and laser radial boats—aimed at boosting maritime surveillance and protection of Seychelles’ waters. Local Nature, Global Spotlight: Modi also met Jonathan, the world’s oldest living land animal, reinforcing Seychelles’ conservation story during Golden Jubilee celebrations. Political Pushback: India’s Congress criticised the visit as “hypocrisy,” linking environmental concerns to India’s Great Nicobar project.

Seychelles Golden Jubilee, Environment in the Spotlight: During PM Narendra Modi’s three-day state visit for Seychelles’ National Day (50 years of India–Seychelles ties), leaders toured the Seychelles National Botanical Garden, met the famous Aldabra giant tortoise Jonathan (about 194 years old), and joined a joint tree-planting ceremony—planting a Coco de Mer sapling under “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”—tying diplomacy to biodiversity and climate action. Maritime Security, Blue Economy Support: Modi also handed over the Made-in-India Fast Patrol Vessel “PS Lespwar” to the Seychelles Coast Guard, alongside ambulances, utility vehicles, and laser radial boats—aimed at strengthening EEZ surveillance and coastal response. Tourism and Cooperation Deals: Seychelles FM Barry Faure said the visit is expected to boost tourism and bring new agreements, including maritime security, space cooperation, cybersecurity, and mutual legal assistance. Political Pushback: India’s Congress criticised the visit as “hypocrisy,” alleging environmental harm linked to India’s Great Nicobar Island project. Nature-First Tourism Culture: A separate feature highlights how Seychelles limits beach commercialisation (including rules around lights and bonfires) to protect turtles and keep hospitality aligned with conservation.

Golden Jubilee diplomacy: PM Narendra Modi arrives in Seychelles for June 27–29 National Day celebrations, calling the islands a “valued maritime neighbour” and linking talks to India’s Vision MAHASAGAR, with plans spanning maritime security, digital transformation, cybersecurity, space cooperation and mutual legal assistance. Maritime security boost: India is set to hand over a patrol vessel during the visit, while defence cooperation and joint naval participation are highlighted as key pillars of the partnership. Wildlife & climate action: Modi is also expected to meet Aldabra’s famed Jonathan the tortoise and join a tree-planting programme aimed at biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. Sustainable fisheries focus: Seychelles Fisheries Authority research is guiding measures like minimum fish size limits to protect juveniles and support long-term catches. Tourism governance with sustainability: Seychelles prepares to host the 69th UN Tourism CAF meeting (2–4 July) in Victoria, with a strong push on sustainable growth, connectivity and human capital for tourism. Local Golden Jubilee events: Independence celebrations across Mahé, Praslin and La Digue run 26–29 June, with a new public holiday gazetted for 30 June.

Sustainable Fisheries: Seychelles Fisheries Authority is using science-led rules to protect fish stocks, including minimum size limits under the Mahe Plateau Trap and Line Co-Management Plan to reduce juvenile catch and help species reach maturity. Marine Protection: Six marine protected areas were recognised as “Blue Parks” at Our Ocean in Mombasa, highlighting what effective, durable co-management can look like for biodiversity. PM Modi Visit (Climate & Security): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Seychelles June 27–29 for Golden Jubilee National Day events, with talks on bilateral cooperation spanning maritime security, digital transformation, and sustainable development. Tourism Push: The Seychelles Tourism Board wrapped a two-city Germany roadshow in Stuttgart and Munich, engaging 80 travel agents and spotlighting improved air connectivity and new tourism offerings. Local Science & Health: New research on Seychelles birds suggests close living can spread gut microbes through direct contact, adding to growing interest in how microbiomes may be shared in communities. Governance & Media: A coalition of press-freedom groups urged a pause on Seychelles’ SBC Bill, warning it could weaken public broadcasting independence without proper consultation.

Seychelles-India Maritime & Climate Push: India is set to visit Seychelles June 27–29 for Golden Jubilee National Day talks, with a patrol vessel handover and defence participation—framing cooperation around maritime security and climate resilience. Blue Parks for Ocean Protection: Six marine protected areas were recognised as “Blue Parks” for durable, equitable, effective management, underscoring what real protection should look like. Aldabra Biodiversity, Seen From Space: New satellite imagery is helping reveal fresh insights into Aldabra’s biodiversity, boosting conservation understanding. Seychelles Tourism in Germany: The Seychelles Tourism Board wrapped up a Stuttgart and Munich roadshow with 80 travel agents, highlighting improved air access and new island experiences. Marine Threats From Fishing Gear: A study warns abandoned tuna fishing gear and drifting FADs can smash into coral reefs and harm wildlife, even inside marine protected areas. Local Conservation Education: The D’Arros Experience marks five years with a film screening, spotlighting hands-on learning that links students to Seychelles’ natural environment. Wildlife Longevity Spotlight: Giant Seychelles tortoise Jonathan is reaffirmed by Guinness as the world’s oldest living land animal at 194 years.

Seychelles-India Diplomacy: PM Narendra Modi will visit Seychelles from June 27-29 as Guest of Honour for the Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations, holding talks with President Patrick Herminie, addressing the National Assembly, and engaging the Indian diaspora—an agenda that also points to cooperation across maritime security, digital transformation and sustainable development. Microbiome & Community Health: New UK-led research on Seychelles birds suggests gut bacteria spread through close, shared nesting contact, hinting that social living can shape microbiomes in ways that may also apply to people. Marine Protection Spotlight: The Marine Conservation Institute has recognised six marine protected areas as “Blue Parks,” including Nosy Hara, Sahamalaza-Îles Radama and Nosy Tanihely in Madagascar—an example of what effective, durable ocean protection can look like. SBC Bill Scrutiny: A coalition of press-freedom and public media groups has urged Seychelles to pause the SBC Bill, warning governance, appointments and funding provisions could weaken editorial independence. Biodiversity Tech: Satellite imagery is being used to deepen understanding of Aldabra’s biodiversity, supporting better conservation decisions. Wildlife Milestone: Jonathan, the Seychelles giant tortoise, has been named a Guinness World Records ICON at about 194 years old, underscoring the value of long-term species protection.

Guinness Recognition for Seychelles’ Giant Tortoise: Jonathan, the Seychelles giant tortoise, has been named a Guinness World Records ICON at about 194 years old, reinforcing how long-lived species can thrive with strong protection. Marine Protection Wins: The Marine Conservation Institute has recognised six marine protected areas as “Blue Parks,” including three in Madagascar and one each in Senegal, Chile and Canada—highlighting management that’s durable, equitable and effective. Sustainable Ocean Funding Gap: A new report argues ocean finance is still far behind needs, with billions required annually to protect marine life and build climate resilience—pushing “blue finance” as a way to close the gap. Seychelles in the Spotlight: The Seychelles Tourism Board wrapped up a Germany roadshow in Stuttgart and Munich, engaging 80 travel agents and showcasing improved air connectivity and new tourism offerings. Local Environment Education: Save Our Seas Foundation’s Lekol Zil Sesel marked five years of the D’Arros Experience with a film screening, spotlighting hands-on learning tied to Seychelles’ natural environment. SBC Bill Concerns: A coalition of press-freedom groups urges Seychelles to pause the SBC Bill, warning it could weaken public broadcasting independence without proper consultation.