Apart from attending events linked to Seychelles’ National Day celebrations, PM Modi will visit the Seychelles Coast Guard Base.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet Jonathan, believed to be the world’s oldest living land animal, during his three day visit to Seychelles that will begin on Saturday.
Jonathan, an Aldabra giant tortoise estimated to be around 194 years old, lives at the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens and holds the Guinness World Record as the world’s oldest living land animal. Although his exact age has not been verified, he has lived far longer than the average lifespan of his species.
The Prime Minister’s interaction with Jonathan is being seen as a reflection of the importance India and Seychelles attach to conservation, sustainability and the protection of natural heritage.
PM Modi is visiting the island nation as the Chief Guest for its National Day celebrations, which this year mark 50 years of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles.
After arriving in Seychelles, the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit the National Botanical Gardens, where he will also participate in a tree plantation programme aimed at highlighting shared commitments towards biodiversity conservation, environmental protection and climate resilience in the Indian Ocean region.
Apart from attending events linked to Seychelles’ National Day celebrations, PM Modi will visit the Seychelles Coast Guard Base. Maritime security and regional stability remain key areas of cooperation between the two countries.
During the visit, the Prime Minister is expected to hold talks with Seychelles President Dr Patrick Herminie to review bilateral ties and discuss ways to expand cooperation in maritime security, the blue economy, climate action and defence.