Victoria: Seychelles has conferred the country’s highest presidential distinction for leadership in environmental conservation and sustainable development, the ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’, upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Seychelles president Patrick Herminie handed over the award to PM Modi during his three-day visit to the island nation.
After receiving the honour, the Prime Minister dedicated it to all nations working collectively to tackle the growing challenges of climate change.
“I humbly accept this title with honor and dedicate it to all other countries that are struggling against the challenges of climate change and that consider the protection of the environment their responsibility toward future generations,” PM Modi posted on X.
“I extend my gratitude to the people and government of Seychelles, as well as to President Herminie, for bestowing upon me the title ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon,” he added.
“This is an urgent challenge that we need to overcome together. The sun, in its way, stands ready to do whatever is necessary to make the world greener and more sustainable. This is reflected in our various domestic policies, with the motto of the LiFe Mission (a vision for a sustainable future) and global efforts such as the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and others,” the Indian Prime Minister wrote.
He has been bestowed with international honours in recognition of his contributions to sustainability and inclusive development in the past as well.
PM Modi received the Agricola Medal from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in May this year. This was in recognition of his efforts to strengthen food security, modernise agriculture and promote sustainable farming practices.
In 2018, he was awarded the Seoul Peace Prize for his contribution to sustainable economic growth, international cooperation and inclusive development.
The United Nations honoured him with the prestigious Champions of the Earth Award, the organisation’s highest environmental recognition, in acknowledgment of his leadership in promoting climate action and environmental protection, in the same year.
On Sunday, PM Modi held wide-ranging talks with president Herminie at the State House in Victoria. The two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. The discussions focused on further strengthening the longstanding partnership between the two countries across key sectors, as reported by Hindustan Times.
The Indian PM will attend the country’s Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour. During the visit, he is also scheduled to address the National Assembly of Seychelles and interact with members of the Indian diaspora.
The two nations share deep-rooted historical, cultural and people-to-people ties. As a key maritime partner in the Indian Ocean Region, Seychelles occupies an important place in India’s Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
