PM Modi visits turtle enclosure, joins Seychelles president for tree planting ceremony

Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the giant tortoise enclosure at the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens on June 27, 2026. | Photo credit: X/@narendramodi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (June 27, 2026) visited the giant tortoise enclosure at the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens with President Patrick Herminio.

He also joined President Herminie in a tree-planting ceremony, underscoring the two countries’ shared commitment to biodiversity conservation and environmental protection.

Mr. Modi, who arrived in Seychelles on Saturday (June 27, 2026) for a three-day official visit, said the Aldabra tortoise, native to Seychelles, is among the largest and longest-lived species on Earth, with some individuals witnessing more than two hundred years of history.

“The Aldabra giant tortoise also has a connection to the special friendship between India and Seychelles. In 2014, two of them were donated to the Alipore Zoo in Kolkata. A few years later, Seychelles donated a few more tortoises to the Hyderabad Zoo,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X after visiting the enclosure.

They visited the enclosure of giant tortoises in the Seychelles National Botanical Garden with President Dr. Patrick Herminio.

Hailing from the Seychelles, the Aldabra giant tortoise is among the largest and longest-lived species on Earth, with some witnessing more than two… pic.twitter.com/995s3bfawf

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 27, 2026

Mr. Modi and Mr. Herminie also attended a joint tree planting ceremony at the Botanical Gardens where they planted the iconic Coco de Mer, a species unique to Seychelles.

Calling it “a very special ceremony that highlights a shared commitment to a greener planet”, Mr Modi noted that the Coco de Mer is widely respected in Seychelles and is part of the country’s national emblem.

A very special ceremony that demonstrates a shared commitment to a greener world!

In the Seychelles National Botanical Garden, I participated in the tree planting ceremony with the President Dr. Patrick Herminio.

We planted the emblematic Kokodmer plant which is unique to Seychelles. Respected… pic.twitter.com/O3zD96XSOF

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 27, 2026

He said the species is celebrated for producing the largest seeds and heaviest fruits.

“India and Seychelles share a common commitment to protect biodiversity, promote environmental stewardship and leave behind a greener and healthier planet for future generations,” Mr. Modi said.

Published – 27 Jun 2026 18:32 IST