Seychelles Vice-President Ahmed Afif arrived in New Delhi on Saturday afternoon to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the council of ministers.
Afif was received by Muktesh Pardeshi, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (Consular, Passport, Visa and Overseas Indian Affairs) at the airport.
Facing common security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), India and Seychelles have enhanced cooperation in several fields over the last few years.
The partnership is founded on the principles of SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region), 'Neighbourhood First' policy and the 'Five S' vision of Sammaan (Respect) – Samvaad (Dialogue) - Sahyog (Cooperation) – Shanti (Peace) and Samriddhi (Prosperity) articulated by PM Modi.
As reported by IANS, Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan hoped that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third term would not only strengthen bilateral relations but also help in strongly addressing the "multiple global and regional challenges" that confront both nations in the IOR.
"On behalf of the government and people of the Republic of Seychelles, as well as on my behalf, I extend our warmest congratulations on your re-election as the Prime Minister of the Republic of India," Ramkalawan said in his congratulatory message to PM Modi on Wednesday.
"This outcome is a testament to the confidence that the Indian people place in your visionary leadership and the remarkable progress that India has made under your stewardship, as well as the high regard in which you are held," he added.
Spotlighting the "special relationship" between the two countries which has strengthened over the years, the Seychelles President stated both nations are working "ever more closely" on a range of issues of mutual interest and concern.
"India's role as a key development partner and strategic ally for Seychelles has been invaluable. Our joint undertakings have been marked by robust cooperation in various sectors of shared interest including the military, health, education, infrastructure development, among others.
"Our collaboration in maritime security has been pivotal in ensuring the safety and stability of the Indian Ocean Region. In addition, through our collective efforts in enhancing collaboration in cultural exchanges and human resource development, we have been able to foster mutual respect and better understanding between the people of our two countries," he mentioned.
Fall of Congress in Gujarat: Three decades of decline and struggle for relevance
The Congress party was once the dominant political force in Gujarat, shaping the state’s governance since independence. However, over the past 30 years, the party has witnessed a dramatic downfall, losing ground to the BJP’s aggressive electoral strategies, organisational strength, and ideological appeal.
‘Disempowering Muslims’: J&K political parties oppose Waqf (Amendment) Bill
All political parties of J&K, except the BJP, opposed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, saying that the Bill is intended to disempower Muslims and only target one religion.
Radical group founder wanted in Jaipur serial blast plot apprehended in Ratlam
The Madhya Pradesh Police in Ratlam achieved a significant breakthrough in apprehending Firoz, also known as Sabji, a fugitive implicated in a conspiracy to execute serial blasts aimed at creating panic and terrorising the Rajasthan capital city of Jaipur.
Amit Shah & Akhilesh Yadav’s lighter exchange in LS over party president
Amid the uproar and heated debate between the ruling party and the Opposition over the Waqf Amendment Bill on Wednesday, the Lok Sabha witnessed some lighter moments between Home Minister Amit Shah and SP President Akhilesh Yadav.
Waqf Bill weakens Constitution, defames minorities, divides society: Gaurav Gogoi
As Parliament debated the contentious Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, on Wednesday, deputy leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi came down heavily on the government.
Bill not linked to religion, it’s prospective and not retrospective: Kiren Rijiju flays naysayers
Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday tore into the Opposition for ‘spreading falsehood’ over the Waqf Amendment Bill and urged the ‘doubters and naysayers’ to refrain from misleading the people on the proposed reforms.
Parliament was being claimed as Waqf property: Rijiju slams UPA for making provisions 'overriding' other laws
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday bashed the previous UPA government for de-notifying 123 properties and handing them over to the Delhi Waqf Board.
Bhopal’s Muslims burst firecrackers in support of Waqf (Amendment) Bill
A large number of Muslims in Madhya Pradesh's capital, Bhopal, burst firecrackers on Wednesday to express their support for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which was presented in the Lok Sabha earlier in the day.