Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Seychelles, underlined the strong bond between India and Seychelles, as well as the connection of the Aldabra Giant Tortoise with India. He explored the Giant Tortoise Enclosure at the Seychelles National Botanical Garden alongside President Patrick Herminie. The Aldabra Giant Tortoise, a species native to Seychelles, is known for its longevity, with some individuals living for over two centuries.
PM Modi shared that the Aldabra Giant Tortoise symbolizes the close ties between India and Seychelles. In 2014, two tortoises were gifted to the Alipore Zoo in Kolkata, and later, Seychelles presented more tortoises to the Hyderabad Zoo. During the visit, PM Modi actively engaged in feeding large turtles at the botanical garden, including Jonathan, a 194-year-old tortoise recognized as the world’s oldest living land animal.
In a joint effort towards environmental conservation and sustainable development, PM Modi and President Herminie participated in a Tree Plantation Ceremony at the Botanical Garden. They planted a Coco de Mer sapling, a distinctive palm tree exclusive to Seychelles, renowned for bearing the largest seed in the plant kingdom and the heaviest fruit globally. This ceremony underscored their shared commitment to a greener planet.
PM Modi expressed that India and Seychelles stand united in preserving biodiversity, advocating environmental stewardship, and ensuring a healthier environment for future generations.
