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PM Modi addresses civic reception at Kathmandu, Nepal

Published By : Admin | May 12, 2018 | 16:39 IST
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Shakyaji, you, your colleagues and Kathmandu's municipal corporation have organized this reception for me. I am extremely grateful to you people for this thing. It is not only for me, but it is an honor to entire India. Not only me, but 1.25 billion Indians are also grateful. Every Indian has a relationship of affinity with Kathmandu and Nepal. And I am also fortunate to have got this thing.

Even when I was not in politics… Whenever I visit Nepal, I have this feeling of peace and affection. And the biggest reason for this is your love, your affection and the warm welcome and respect shown by you people.

Yesterday, I was in Janakpur. It gives a very important message to the modern world. What was the uniqueness of Raja Janak? He caused the destruction of weapon and joined all with love and affection. This is the land that destroys the weapons and binds with love and affection.

Friends, whenever I think of Kathmandu then the image that emerges is not just of a city. That image is not of just a geographical valley. It’s not just that Kathmandu is mere capital of our neighbor and inseparable friend Nepal. It is not only the capital of the country of Mt. Everest and Lily Guraj. It is not only the capital of the country of Lord Buddha's birthplace. Kathmandu is a world in itself and the history of this world is as old, as majestic and as vast as the Himalayas.

Kathmandu has always attracted me. Because this city is as deep as it is fast moving. It is a precious jewel in the lap of the Himalayas. Kathmandu, is not just a canopy made of wood. This is a divine and grand palace of our shared culture and heritage. The city's diversity gives a glimpse of Nepal's great heritage and its large heart. Whether it is the forest of Nagarjuna or the hills of Shivpuri, whether it is calmness of hundreds of waterfalls and streams or the origins of Baghmati, this city of thousands of temples, Manjushree caves and Buddhist monasteries is unique in the world in itself.

From the roof of the buildings here one can see Dhaulagiri and Annapurna on one side and Sagarmatha on the other side which are known to the world as Everest and Kanchan Jangha. Where else this kind of view is possible? And if it is possible then it’s only and only in Kathmandu.

The patterns of Basantpur, the reputation of Patan, the magnificence of Bharatpur, the art of Keertipur and the elegance of Lalitpur; it seems Kathmandu has gathered all the colors of a rainbow in itself. So many traditions are mixed in its air just as Roli mixes with sandalwood. Prayers at Pashupatinath; gathering of devotees; spirituality walking on the stairs of the Sovereign Lord; chanting of 'Om Mani Padme Hum' echoing at the every step taken by the pilgrims performing parikrma of Lord Buddha. It seems as if all the musical notes of a tune have embraced each other on the threads.

I have been told that certain festivals, such as the festivals of Nevari community, are such that have an unprecedented confluence of Buddhists and Hindu beliefs and practices. Tradition and culture have made the artisans and handicraft of Kathmandu unmatched. Whether it is handmade paper or statues like Tara and Buddha; whether it is utensils made of clay from Bharatpur or stone, wood and metal work of Patan, Kathmandu is the great amalgamation of Nepal's unique art and craftsmanship. And I am glad that the new generation of Nepal have been following very well this tradition. And it is also bringing a newness to it by modifying it as per the youth.

Friends, I have had the privilege of visiting Pashupatinath in both of my visits to Nepal so far. In this visit, I was fortunate to visit Janakpur Dham and Muktinath in addition to Pashupati Nath, to all the three holy shrines. These three places are not only important pilgrim centers, they are India and Nepal's unshakable and unbreakable relation like Mt. Everest. In future whenever there will be an opportunity for me to visit Nepal, I will certainly make a programme to visit Lord Buddha's birth place Lumbini.

Friends, peace, and balance with nature, and value systems of both of our countries which are filled with spiritual values, these are a legacy for all the mankind and for the entire world. And, therefore, it is not surprising thing that people from all over the world are drawn towards India and Nepal in search of peace.

Some people go to Banaras and some other visit Bodh Gaya, while some go and stay in the lap of the Himalayas, while some other people live like ascetics in the monasteries of Buddha, but the quest is the same. The solution to the malaise of modern life will be found in the shared values ​​of India and Nepal.

Friends, Pashupatinath located on the bank of river Bagmati in Kathmandu and Kashi Vishwanath located on the banks of river Ganges, Buddha's birthplace Lumbini, Bodh Gaya - the place for hermitage, and Sarnath – the region from where the message was delivered.

Friends, we all of us have a rich and common heritage which is thousands of years old. Our shared heritage is the property of youth of both the countries. It has the roots of their past, the seeds of the present and the shoots of their future.

Friends, the entire world is passing through an era of several types of changes. Global environment is full of several fluctuations and uncertainties.

Friends, for thousands of years this belief that the whole world is one family has been the philosophy of India. We have been taking forward our philosophy of Sabka Sath-Sabka Vikas (Together with all, development for all) in our foreign cooperation policy with the same piousness. There is a prayer in Indian scriptures:

सर्वे भवन्‍तु सुखिन: सर्वे सन्‍तु निरामया:। सर्वे भद्राणि पश्‍यन्‍तु मा कश्चित् दुःख भाग्भवेत्।

Which means: May all be happy, may all be healthy. May there is wellbeing for everyone, may no one suffer. Indian seers have always dreamed of this thing. To achieve this ideal, our foreign policy is based on taking everyone along with us and we particularly share the experiences and opportunities of India with our neighborhood. In our culture ‘Neighborhood First’ is not just foreign policy but it is a way of living. There are many examples. While being a developing country itself, India has been cooperating for more than 50 years for capacity building in more than 160 countries under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Program, and we have been extending our cooperation as per the requirements of those countries.

Last year India launched South Asia satellite. As a result of this, our neighboring countries are receiving its services as a gift from our space capabilities. And when I had come here at the same platform for SAARC Summit then I had announced this thing from the same platform. At the same time, we are also focusing on how we can forge international partnerships to face the major challenges of the modern world which no one country can handle on its own. For example, in 2016, India and France together conceived a new international treaty based organization in the context of climate change. This revolutionary step has now been converted into a successful experiment.

In March this year, French President Macron and the leaders of nearly 50 other countries participated in the first summit of this International Solar Alliance in Delhi. Such efforts will help in forging technological and economic partnerships to meet the challenges of climate change, I am confident that this will particularly help in meeting the needs of small developing countries.

Friends, when Indians look at Nepal then we become very happy to see the environment and people here. The atmosphere in Nepal is full of optimism and of desire to have a bright future, and for strengthening the democracy, and also of the vision of a ‘Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepalese’, and all of you have contributed in a very big way in creating this environment.

After the massive tragedy of the earthquake of 2015, the patience and indomitable courage exhibited by the people of Nepal and especially in Kathmandu is an example for the entire world. This is a testimony to the firm commitment and hard work of your society that a new system has been created in Nepal in such a short time while handling the disaster. After the earthquake, not just the buildings, in a way the whole country and society were rebuilt. Today there are democratic governments at all the three levels in Nepal - federal, provincial and local. And the elections for all three levels have been successfully conducted within one year. This power is inherent in all of you therefore I sincerely congratulate all of you.

Friends, Nepal has come a long way from the war to Lord Buddha. Bullet was dominant power but Nepal has opted for ballot after giving up bullet. This is journey from the war to Buddha. However, the destination is still far away, you still have to go a long distance. In a way, now we have reached the base camp of Mount Everest, but we still need to climb to the summit of Mt. Everest. And as mountaineers get a very strong support and company from the Sherpas of Nepal, India is ready to do the work of a Sherpa for you people in this developmental journey of Nepal.

This was the message that I have delivered in different words, this was the feeling that I have expressed yesterday and today during my Nepal visit, and also during the Prime Minister Oli’s visit to India last month. I am saying this thing with a lot of responsibility that Nepal must march ahead according to its own needs and priorities. India will always walk shoulder to shoulder with Nepal for its success. India’s success lies in your success. India’s happiness lies in Nepal’s happiness.

Whether it is the work of constructing railway lines or laying roads or the work of hydropower or of transmission lines or of Integrated Check Post or of oil pipeline or whether it is the job of further strengthening the cultural and people to people ties between the people of Nepal and India, we are always with you in your every need and will continue to do so in future also. We have started the work on DPR (detailed project report) for connecting Kathmandu with India through railway. And, now, perhaps it is…I don’t know how much discussion it has received here in Nepal, these days IPL cricket matches are being organsied in India and Nepal has also connected with IPL.

You are familiar with several recent initiatives of this journey. I have been told that for the first time a Nepalese player Sandeep Lamichane has been participating in the IPL. I hope that in future our people-to-people relationship will continue to be strengthened not only through cricket but also through other sports as well.

Friends, with these words, I once again express my heartfelt gratitude to the mayor of Kathmandu Shri Shakya ji, to the administration of Kathmandu, to the Government of Nepal, to the respected chief minister, to the respected foreign minister and to all of you. And I have the same feelings in my heart as you have in your hearts, the same feeling is there in my heart which is there in the heart of every Nepali, and the same feeling is there in the heart of every Indian and that is:

Long Live, Nepal-India Friendship,

Long Live, Nepal-India Friendship,

Long Live, Nepal-India Friendship,

Thanks a lot.

 

 

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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.