Shri Modi addresses public meetings in Karjan, Panchela, Bayad, Jalotara, Patan, Vijapur and Gandhinagar

Shri Modi launches scathing attack on Congress over FDI in retail. Seeks answers on the news report that Walmart paid Rs. 125 crore to enter India

Who pocketed these Rs. 125 crore and who has ruined the lives of the traders of India? In the court of the people let us show that a nation of 120 crore people cannot be bought: Shri Modi

Today Mrs. Sonia Gandhi came to Gujarat. She chose Dakor and Siddhpur so that Congress sins may be washed but Congress sins are such that even taking a dip in Siddhpur will not help: Shri Modi

I think Sonia Ben got papers of her 2007 speech. There was nothing about 2012 in it. She talked about 57 dark zones but haven’t dark zones gone? Asks Shri Modi

If Mrs. Sonia Gandhi has to talk about what Pandit Nehru did 50 years ago, you are admitting nothing happened for so many years: CM

You are shedding crocodile tears to farmers: CM to Mrs. Sonia Gandhi

For some people politics is a business, they believe in working for themselves only. Can we give such people a chance in Gujarat? Asks Shri Modi

Shri Modi talks of success of Sujalam Sufalam Yojana in North Gujarat

Mrs. Sonia Gandhi talks about poor law & order situation in Gujarat. Delhi is referred to as ‘crime capital’ and Gujarat is refereed to as ‘curfew free state!’ says Shri Modi

As an economist would have expected Prime Minister to rise above votebank politics: Shri Modi

 

 

On Monday 10th December 2012 Shri Narendra Modi addressed large public meetings in Karjan (Vadodara district), Panchela Bayad (Sabarkantha district), Jalotara (Banaskantha district), Patan (Patan district), Vijapur (Mehsana district) and Gandhinagar (Gandhinagar district). Shri Modi talked about the development initiatives in Gujarat and came down heavily on the Congress for their anti-Gujarat mindset. He delivered a fitting reply to Congress President, who addressed rallies in 2 places of Gujarat.

 

 

The Chief Minister talked at length about the development that has taken place in Gandhinagar over the last decade. He said that over the last decade Gandhinagar has emerged as an education capital with renowned Universities imparting quality education to students. He added that the city will see tremendous development in the field of solar energy and he also pointed out how the city would become a hub for conference tourism with the state of the art Mahatma Mandir.

The Chief Minister took on the UPA over the FDI in retail and expressed scathing criticism about the news report that Walmart paid Rs. 125 crore to enter India. He asked who pocketed these Rs. 125 crore and who has ruined the lives of the traders of India? He affirmed that the Congress may have won in the Parliament but it is for the people to show them that in the court of people that this decision is not acceptable. “A nation of 120 crore cannot be bought!” he avowed.

Shri Modi reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to Karamcharis and stated categorically that the development in Gujarat would not be possible without the lakhs of Karmayogis of Gujarat.

 

 

On Mrs. Sonia Gandhi addressing rallies in Patan and Siddhpur, Shri Modi commented, “She chose Dakor and Siddhpur so that the Congress’ sins are washed but their sins are such that even taking a dip in Siddhpur will not help.” On her speech he pointed, “I think Mrs. Sonia Gandhi got her 2007 speech with her. There was no issue of 2012! She says there are 57 dark zones but haven’t all dark zones gone? Fact that she was talking about dark zones shows she does not even have latest information.”

The Chief Minister declared that the fact that Mrs. Sonia Gandhi has to quote Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, she is admitting that the Congress has not done anything since then.He said, “In Siddhpur Mrs. Sonia Gandhi spoke about Pandit Nehru. But after him many CMs, PMs came what did they do? Talk on that atleast. If you have to talk about what Pandit Nehru did 50 years ago you are admitting nothing happened for so many years and you deserve to be uprooted from Gujarat!”

 

Puncturing Mrs. Sonia Gandhi’s lie on electricity situation in Gujarat he declared, “Madam Sonia ji, its better if you do not talk about electricity. Remember 4 months ago 19 states, 60 crore people in darkness. When the world media wrote about the darkness in India, they wrote that Gujarat where there was uninterrupted power!” The Chief Minister recalled that during Congress rule Langdi Vijli (interrupted power) was very common and this was because the Governments then did not build adequate substations. He stated, “During the Congress years 15 sub stations were built per year, we build the same number in a month!”He talked about the success of the Jyotigram Yojana in giving 24/7 power to the people.

 

 

Urging Mrs. Sonia Gandhi not to shed crocodile tears for the farmers, Shri Modi stated that despite having the machinery of the Centre, perennial rivers the Centre could not meet its target of 4% agriculture growth and was stuck at 2.5% whereas despite having only the Narmada, Tapi and a Rann constituting a large part of the state, Gujarat witnessed 11% growth in agriculture. He explained in detail how the overnight cotton export ban by the Centre caused immense losses to Gujarat’s farmers that too when prices were highest.

Taking on the UPA chairperson for her comment that there is unemployment in Gujarat, Shri Modi pointed, “Have you seen a youngster from Gujarat seeking a job outside? There is no district in India whose youngster is not working in Gujarat and sending money home.” He also cited a Government of India report that stated that Gujarat has the lowest unemployment in India and opined, “You do not trust us but you trust your Government? Your Government said in a report that if there is a state with the lowest unemployment it is Gujarat.”

He punctured the Congress lies that it was the Gujarat Government that delayed the Sardar Sarovar Dam. He shared that Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru did the Shilanyas of the project and after that nothing happened for the next 26 years. Likewise, Mrs. Indira Gandhi did not act on the file for 9 years and now Congress leaders accuse BJP of delaying the project! He listed the obstructionist attitude of the Centre be it not allowing permission to build gates on the project or the fact that Shri Modi had to fast for getting permission to raise height of the dam.

 

 

Commenting on Mrs. Sonia Gandhi’s statement that the law and order situation in Gujarat is poor, Shri Modi stated that after the elections Mrs. Sonia Gandhi should visit the cities of Gujarat and on the streets she would find women riding scooters even during midnight. Shri Modi asked if the same could be said for Congress-ruled Delhi, where women do not venture out after sunset. He pointed for Delhi people say ‘crime capital’ whereas for Gujarat it is said ‘curfew free state!’

Similarly, he attacked Mrs. Sonia Gandhi’s canard on the condition of women in Gujarat and reminded her that it was in Congress-ruled Haryana that rapes were happening everyday and she herself had to visit the victim.

Pointing to the lack of issues in the Congress campaign, Shri Modi affirmed that all Mrs. Sonia Gandhi could talk in South Gujarat was that her mother-in-law came here and as because you supported her please support us. He said that it would be better if she pointed out what the Congress did for Tribal communities, for the development of Gujarat but except abusing him they do not have any issue in the elections. Referring to a Congress leader’s comment that Shri Modi is a Vanar (monkey), the Chief Minister avowed that those who have read the Ramayana know the power of Vanar Shakti where Lord Hanuman is the embodiment of Bhakti and service. “If I am a Vanar then 6 crore Gujaratis are my Ram. Serving them is like serving Lord Ram for me.”

 

 

Shri Modi urged people to reject dynastic politics. He said that for many people politics is a business and they believe in working for themselves only. “Can we give such people a chance in Gujarat?” the Chief Minister questioned and added that such people will never work for the interests of society.

The Chief Minister recalled that when he brought the Sujalam Sufalam Yojana, the Congress left no stone unturned to mislead the people and spread things like ‘Modi is a liar’ but he asked the people if the Sujalam Sufalam Yojana has not become a reality! Shri Modi affirmed that the Gujarat Government gave water to North Gujarat and further said that in the Congress rule, if they did even one thing they would use it for the 4 subsequent elections. He pointed that even the Centre has noted that Gujarat’s water table has risen from 3m to 13m and this is due to the steps taken by the state Government.

 

 

The Chief Minister declared that one can go to any part of Gujarat and in a radius of 25 km in any direction, one can see some or the other development work happening. He shared that very often people ask ‘how does Modi get the money’ to which he said that the money was always there, just that it is now completely spent for the welfare of the people! Shri Modi stated that he has no family or son-in-law so who would he accumulate for. “6 crore Gujaratis are my family. Their happiness is my happiness!” he opined.On the development front he categorically stated, “We have done more development in the last 10 years as compared to the development by Congress in their 40 years.”

He shared that if any youngster seeks a loan to start a new initiative, the Government would be the guarantor. “I am doing this because I have faith in the youth of Gujarat” he opined.

On the development of North Gujarat he shared that earlier youngsters front his region would go to Surat and Mumbai but that has stopped. The same region that was known for its scorching heat is now home to Asia’s largest solar park!

Shri Modi affirmed that if the Congress-led Government in Delhi had adopted Gujarat’s Disha then the Durdasha of the nation would not be what it is today.The Chief Minister expressed disappointment with the PM’s speech and said that as an economist one would have expected him to rise above votebank politics.He called upon the people to fulfill Gandhi ji’s dream of dismantling the Congress and termed it as the perfect tribute to the Father of the Nation.

The public meetings saw record attendance by people across all age groups and communities.

 

 

 

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India – Seychelles Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages
February 09, 2026

At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the President of the Republic of Seychelles Dr. Patrick Herminie is on a State Visit to India from 5 to 10 February 2026.

President Herminie’s State Visit coming around 100 days after his inauguration signals the shared commitment of India and Seychelles to strengthen, expand and deepen our longstanding and multifaceted bilateral partnership. The State Visit has added significance as it coincides with the 50th year of Independence of Seychelles, and the 50th year of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

During their meeting on 9 February 2026, Prime Minister Modi and President Herminie had comprehensive and productive discussions covering the entire spectrum of bilateral relations. Prime Minister Modi congratulated President Herminie for his success in the elections held in October 2025. The two leaders reaffirmed that India and Seychelles, as close maritime neighbours, enjoy a special and time-tested partnership built on ties of history and kinship, and nurtured by the shared values of democracy and pluralism. The leaders acknowledged that Seychelles-India ties are people-centric and reinforce security and stability in the Western Indian Ocean Region. The leaders also reaffirmed Seychelles' role as an important pillar in India's Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).

Recalling the rich and historic people-to-people ties connecting India and Seychelles, both leaders emphasized the need for closer engagement on national development priorities to enhance security, prosperity and well-being of the peoples of Seychelles and India.

President Herminie underlined India’s role as a trusted partner for Seychelles and the region. He expressed gratitude to India for the longstanding assistance and cooperation extended to Seychelles in achieving its development agenda.

Underlining the respective strengths of both nations and recognising the importance of the relationship, the two leaders announced a Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL).

Political Exchanges

The leaders acknowledged the importance of regular high-level political meetings, visits and consultations between Seychelles and India. Both sides agreed to intensify political and socio-economic engagements at leadership, Ministerial and Senior Official levels.

Both leaders agreed to deepen cooperation and intensify Parliamentary Exchanges between the two countries, including the sharing of best practices on parliamentary proceedings and capacity building.

Development Partnership

President Herminie acknowledged India’s steadfast support for the development and security needs and aspirations of Seychelles through lines of credit, grants, capacity building and high-impact community development projects (HICDP). Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to remaining a pivotal and reliable partner in Seychelles’ national development agenda, with particular focus on sustainability, defence and maritime security, capacity building, resilience and inclusive growth.

Reaffirming their commitment to work closely to expand and intensify the people-centric development partnership between the two countries, India announced a ‘Special Economic Package’ of USD 175 million, which will include a blended financial assistance of USD 125 million in Rupee-denominated Line of Credit and USD 50 million in Grant assistance for development cooperation projects, capacity building for civilians and defence officials, maritime security, etc.

Recognising that India’s rapid digitalization is a force for good in the Global South, the two leaders agreed to work closely in the sphere of digital transformation. Noting the need for Seychelles to digitise governance for the benefit of its citizens, India agreed to undertake comprehensive efforts on the buildout of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), including digital payments, in accordance with the needs and requirements of Seychelles.

Cooperation in the fields of Health and Essential Commodities

President Herminie expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for the donation of 10 ambulances (Basic Life Support and Advance Life Support). These ambulances, fitted with the latest equipment will support emergency health services in Seychelles. This gesture underlines the people-centric approach of the India-Seychelles partnership.

The two leaders agreed that recognition of Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) by Seychelles would streamline procurement of quality assured essential medicines and facilitate access to affordable medicines through collaboration under India’s Jan Aushadhi initiative.

Both leaders agreed to:

• Implement training programmes and exchange visits in the area of mental health through institutional linkages.

• Support recruitment and deputation of medical specialists, nurses, paramedics and technicians from India to meet the needs of Seychelles.

• Strengthen bilateral cooperation in public health through exchange of visits and institutional linkages.

• Work together to support the construction of a new hospital in Seychelles.

Acknowledging that high cost of living remains a major concern for the Government of Seychelles, both leaders agreed to:

• Collaborate on long term augmentation of healthcare infrastructure of Seychelles, including measures to enhance affordability and reliable access to medicines and medical equipment.

• Work together to institutionalize a mechanism to procure quality and cost-effective food and essential commodities from India.

• President Herminie expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister Modi for the donation of 1000 metric tons of grains to Seychelles. This donation of food will strengthen food security in Seychelles and bring down the cost of food for the people of Seychelles.

Capacity Building, Human Resource Development and Institutional Linkages

President Herminie conveyed deep appreciation for India’s continued support to enhance Seychelles’ institutional and administrative competencies. Both sides underscored the strong cooperation in capacity building, including through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, training programmes for civil servants, defence personnel, and health professionals. The leaders agreed to explore more training programmes and institutional linkages in policing, finance, agriculture, climate change, marine conservation, and other domains in line with the needs and requirements of Seychelles.

On education and vocational training, the leaders urged expansion of skill development initiatives, interactions between academic institutions and digital education platforms.

Both leaders agreed to:

• Implement the customised training programme for Seychellois civil servants in India through the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG).

• Strengthen capacity building, cooperation and exchanges in the areas of cybersecurity and financial intelligence.

• Facilitate the deputation of experts from India to Seychelles, and capacity building in the areas of technology, health, education, renewable energy, law, auditing, maritime security, finance, land and infrastructure development, tax administration, women empowerment, fisheries and other realms of mutual interest.

• Advance capacity building and institutional linkages between India and Seychelles in the area of marine sciences and conservation through Government and non-Government institutions.

• Cooperate and collaborate for promotion of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

• Customise training programs according to the needs of Seychelles in collaboration with Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service.

Renewables, Climate Action, and Sustainability

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation in renewable energy and climate resilience, including through innovative clean energy solutions. President Herminie acknowledged India’s steadfast support in assisting Seychelles to achieve its renewable energy objectives. He noted that the solar power projects implemented under the aegis of the International Solar Alliance, with the support of the Government of India, have delivered tangible and community-level benefits, particularly in the agriculture and healthcare sectors of Seychelles.

In order to further deepen the cooperation in the areas of preparedness and mitigation of effects of climate change, both leaders agreed to support the implementation of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems in Seychelles.

India agreed to extend technical assistance to Seychelles in managing its power grid, in support of the country’s transition to a green public transport system. Both sides also agreed to explore new avenues of cooperation and projects in energy conservation, sustainability, renewable energy and green mobility domains to cater to the needs of Seychelles.

Both leaders acknowledged that access to finance remains a key challenge for SIDS such as Seychelles. President Herminie expressed his hope that Seychelles can continue to rely on India’s strong and constructive voice in international platforms to support consideration of multidimensional vulnerability, including the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI), as a complementary and important analytical tool, while taking into account equity, Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC), and nationally determined needs in relevant engagements with Multilateral Development Banks, International Financial Institutions, and UN development partners.

Both leaders agreed that Seychelles would join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

Trade, Investment, Connectivity and Tourism

President Herminie stressed the need for Indian companies and businesses to see Seychelles as a major investment hub and benefit from trade and business opportunities offered by Seychelles in the affordable housing, digital technology and AI, financial services, blue economy, tourism and fisheries sectors.

Both leaders acknowledged that direct flights increased the number of Indian tourists visiting Seychelles. They underlined that the increase in tourists visiting from India has strengthened the resilience of the tourism sector in Seychelles. Further, both sides agreed to work together to explore enhancing more flight connectivity between the two countries.

The leaders underscored the need for exploiting the full potential of bilateral trade for the shared objective of economic growth and prosperity of Seychelles and India.

Cooperation in Hydrography

Both leaders agreed to step up bilateral cooperation in the field of hydrography to support Seychelles’ efforts in accelerating its blue economy growth through the conduct of more joint hydrographic surveys. In this regard, Seychelles will establish a Seychelles Hydrographic Unit (SHU) with Indian assistance. To give direction and momentum to this area of bilateral cooperation, it was decided that the 3rd JCM on Hydrography will be held in Seychelles in early 2026.

Defence Cooperation and Maritime Security

Prime Minister Modi and President Herminie underlined that maritime security and defence constituted a key and time-tested pillar of the bilateral partnership. Prime Minister Modi noted that Seychelles is an important maritime partner in India’s vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and reiterated India’s continued support and assistance to Seychelles in meeting its maritime security and defence needs.

Both leaders acknowledged that a strong Seychelles-India partnership in the maritime security and defence domain reinforces regional stability and security and advances the well-being and prosperity of the people of Seychelles and India.

The leaders further reaffirmed that Seychelles and India remain committed to ensuring a free, open, safe and secure Indian Ocean Region, underpinned by respect for international law, freedom of navigation and a rules-based maritime order. They reiterated their resolve to work closely to counteract maritime challenges such as piracy, smuggling of narcotics and human trafficking, illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing, and other transnational crimes, including those with linkages to organized crime and terrorism financing, and to reinforce peace, security and stability in the Indian Ocean Region through enhanced maritime domain awareness, information sharing, capacity building and coordinated operational management.

President Herminie conveyed his appreciation to Prime Minister Modi for the steadfast support to Seychelles for joint maritime surveillance, hydrography surveys, bilateral exercises, information sharing and capacity building for the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF). Both leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the maritime security and defence sphere through customised training and provision of naval and air assets and transport vehicles.

Both leaders agreed to initiate the process to elevate institutional engagement in order to ensure greater effectiveness, enhanced coordination and higher-level engagement.

President Herminie appreciated India’s participation in Seychelles’ National Day celebrations through Indian Armed Forces contingents. Both sides agreed to continue this tradition for the 50th National Day celebrations.

President Herminie expressed gratitude to India for its continued support towards the refit of PS Zoroaster through grant assistance. He also acknowledged the recent donation of 10 utility vehicles and 5 sets of laser radial boats to Seychelles. This will cater to the logistical needs of the Seychelles Defence Forces.

Regional and Multilateral Cooperation

Acknowledging the role of regional mechanisms in furthering maritime security and addressing common challenges in the Indian Ocean Region, both leaders agreed to work closely to exchange views on issues of mutual interest.

Prime Minister Modi welcomed the decision of Seychelles to become a full member of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC). He also expressed his gratitude to President Herminie for the support given by Seychelles to India for various candidatures to regional and international bodies. President Herminie reaffirmed Seychelles’ support for India’s permanent membership at the UN Security Council.

People-to-People and Cultural Ties

Recognising the deep historical ties between India and Seychelles, Prime Minister Modi and President Herminie highlighted the contributions of Seychellois of Indian heritage to the economic, social, and cultural fabric of Seychelles. Both leaders also acknowledged the contribution of Indian professionals to the economy and infrastructure of Seychelles. Both leaders agreed to institutionalise cooperation in the fields of culture, tourism, education, and youth engagement.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the comprehensive discussions covering all aspects of bilateral relations. They concluded the meeting with the shared understanding that the Seychelles-India partnership remains a cornerstone for stability and development in the Indian Ocean Region. They expressed confidence that the decisions taken today will elevate and strengthen the bilateral partnership and deliver tangible benefits to the peoples of both nations.

President Herminie thanked Prime Minister Modi for the warm hospitality extended on his State Visit to India. He also extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to undertake an official visit to Seychelles at a mutually convenient time.