Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Seychelles President Patrick Herminie on Saturday visited the National Botanical Garden of Seychelles in Victoria, soon after PM Modi began his State Visit to the archipelagic island. During the visit, PM Modi was seen enthusiastically feeding large turtles in the botanical garden, including the194-year-old Jonathan, the world’s oldest living land animal.
PM Modi and President Herminie also planted a tree in the botanical garden and interacted with the staff members who were seen explaining the flora and fauna of the botanical garden to the visiting leader. PM Modi arrived in Seychelles Saturday afternoon to attend the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the country's National Day as the Guest of Honour and further strengthen the bilateral cooperation.
In a special gesture, Seychelles President Patrick Herminie and several top ministers and senior dignitaries welcomed PM Modi at the airport. PM Modi was greeted by cultural performances on his arrival, including a dance from Kutch. “Amazing cultural connect! The welcome at the airport in Seychelles included a dance from Kutch.
The manner in which our diaspora has preserved and celebrated culture from different parts of India is appreciable,” PM Modi wrote on X. Prime Minister Modi also shared some glimpses from the warm welcome at the airport in Seychelles and thanked the Indian diaspora for the affection.
"Landed in Seychelles. Deeply appreciate the warm welcome extended at the airport by Dr. Patrick Herminie. Seychelles is a valued maritime partner and a close friend in the Indian Ocean. Looking forward to a productive visit aimed at further strengthening our longstanding ties and enhancing cooperation for the benefit of the people of our nations," PM Modi wrote on X after his arrival.
As they left the airport for the National Botanical Garden, PM Modi shared a picture of himself and President Herminie sharing a laugh on the way. “On the way to the Seychelles’ National Botanical Garden with President Dr. Patrick Herminie,” PM Modi wrote on X, sharing the friendly moment.