PM Modi feeds 194-year-old Jonathan at Seychelles Botanical Garden
Synopsis
PM Modi hand-fed Jonathan — a 194-year-old giant tortoise and the world's oldest living land animal — during his State Visit to Seychelles, where he arrived as Guest of Honour for the country's Golden Jubilee National Day. The visit blends symbolic diplomacy with India's broader Indian Ocean strategy.
Key Takeaways
PM Modi arrived in Seychelles on 27 June as Guest of Honour for the country's Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations.
Modi visited the National Botanical Garden in Victoria with President Dr.
Patrick Herminie , feeding Jonathan , the 194-year-old world's oldest living land animal.
The two leaders jointly planted a tree and interacted with garden staff.
A traditional Kutch dance by the Indian diaspora was performed at the airport welcome.
Modi described Seychelles as 'a valued maritime partner and a close friend in the Indian Ocean' in a post on X .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, 27 June visited the National Botanical Garden of Seychelles in Victoria alongside Seychelles President Dr. Patrick Herminie, in one of the first engagements of his State Visit to the archipelagic island nation. The visit included a memorable encounter with Jonathan, the 194-year-old giant tortoise recognised as the world's oldest living land animal.
The Botanical Garden Visit
Modi was seen enthusiastically hand-feeding large tortoises in the garden, including Jonathan, whose age of 194 years makes him a living natural landmark. The two leaders also jointly planted a tree on the garden grounds and engaged with staff members who walked them through the site's rich flora and fauna. The visit set a warm, symbolic tone for what is expected to be a substantive diplomatic engagement.
Grand Airport Welcome
Modi arrived in Seychelles on Saturday afternoon as the Guest of Honour for the country's Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations. President Herminie, accompanied by senior ministers and top dignitaries, personally received Modi at the airport — a gesture that underscored the depth of the bilateral relationship. Cultural performances greeted the Prime Minister on arrival, notably a traditional dance from Kutch, performed by members of the Indian diaspora.
'Amazing cultural connect! The welcome at the airport in Seychelles included a dance from Kutch. The manner in which our diaspora has preserved and celebrated culture from different parts of India is appreciable,' Modi wrote on X following the welcome.
Modi's Words on the Visit
After landing, Modi shared his appreciation for the reception and outlined the intent of his trip. 'Landed in Seychelles. Deeply appreciate the warm welcome extended at the airport by Dr. Patrick Herminie. Seychelles is a valued maritime partner and a close friend in the Indian Ocean. Looking forward to a productive visit aimed at further strengthening our longstanding ties and enhancing cooperation for the benefit of the people of our nations,' he posted on X.
He also shared a candid photograph of himself and President Herminie sharing a laugh en route to the botanical garden, captioning it: 'On the way to the Seychelles' National Botanical Garden with President Dr. Patrick Herminie.'
Strategic Context
The visit carries significance beyond ceremony. Seychelles occupies a critical position in the Indian Ocean Region, an area where India has steadily deepened maritime security and development partnerships. Modi's presence at the Golden Jubilee celebrations as Guest of Honour reflects the priority New Delhi places on island-nation diplomacy — a policy thrust that has seen India expand ties with Maldives, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka in recent years. The Indian diaspora's cultural presence in Seychelles, visible at the airport welcome, further cements people-to-people linkages that underpin the broader strategic relationship.
Formal bilateral talks and additional engagements with the Seychellois leadership are expected to follow during the remainder of the State Visit.
Point of View
But the substance lies beneath the symbolism. Seychelles sits at a chokepoint in the Indian Ocean, and India's consistent courtship of island-nation leaders — through state visits, Golden Jubilee honours, and diaspora diplomacy — is a deliberate counter to China's growing maritime footprint in the region. The Kutch dance at the airport is not incidental; it reflects a calculated soft-power strategy that New Delhi has refined across Mauritius, Maldives, and now Seychelles. The real deliverables from the bilateral talks will determine whether this visit advances the relationship or remains a well-photographed gesture.
NationPress
27 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did PM Modi visit Seychelles?
PM Modi visited Seychelles on 27 June as the Guest of Honour for the country's Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations, and to strengthen bilateral cooperation between India and Seychelles. The State Visit also included a tour of the National Botanical Garden with President Dr. Patrick Herminie.
Who is Jonathan, and why is he significant?
Jonathan is a 194-year-old giant tortoise residing at the National Botanical Garden of Seychelles, recognised as the world's oldest living land animal. PM Modi fed Jonathan during his visit to the garden on 27 June.
What did PM Modi say about Seychelles on X?
Modi posted on X that Seychelles is 'a valued maritime partner and a close friend in the Indian Ocean' and expressed his intent to strengthen longstanding ties. He also praised the Indian diaspora for preserving cultural traditions, noting a Kutch dance performed at his airport welcome.
What is the strategic importance of India's relationship with Seychelles?
Seychelles holds a key position in the Indian Ocean Region, which is central to India's maritime security and trade interests. India has been deepening ties with Indian Ocean island nations — including Mauritius, Maldives, and Seychelles — as part of its broader regional strategy.
What activities did Modi and President Herminie undertake during the botanical garden visit?
The two leaders fed large tortoises including the 194-year-old Jonathan, jointly planted a tree, and interacted with garden staff who briefed them on the site's flora and fauna.
