INDIA AND SEYCHELLES SHARE AN ENDURING BOND ROOTED IN CENTURIES-OLD CIVILISATIONAL TIES: LOK SABHA SPEAKER
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla held a bilateral parliamentary dialogue with the Speaker of Seychelles' National Assembly, Ms. Azarel Yolanda Ernesta, highlighting India-Seychelles' centuries-old civilisational ties and commemorating 50 years of diplomatic relations. The discussion covered parliamentary cooperation, shared democratic values, yoga and spiritual traditions, technology in legislatures, and regional partnership in the Indian Ocean.
Why It Matters
Relevant for UPSC and state-PSC candidates studying international relations, India's diplomatic engagements, and parliamentary systems. Also useful for understanding India's role in the Global South and Vision MAHASAGAR.
In Simple Words
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla held a bilateral dialogue with Seychelles' National Assembly Speaker Azarel Yolanda Ernesta — the first woman to hold that post — marking 50 years of Seychelles' independence and of India-Seychelles diplomatic relations. Birla offered India's support in popularising Yoga in Seychelles and highlighted PM Modi's recent address to Seychelles' National Assembly, a first for an Indian PM.
Both sides discussed deepening parliamentary cooperation through PRIDE (Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies) and explored cooperation in health, digital transformation, infrastructure and renewable energy.
Key Points
- Ms. Azarel Yolanda Ernesta is the first woman Speaker of Seychelles' National Assembly
- 2026 marks 50 years of Seychelles' independence and 50 years of India-Seychelles diplomatic relations
- PM Narendra Modi recently visited Seychelles and became the first Indian PM to address an Extraordinary Sitting of the National Assembly
- India's Parliament has embraced a paperless parliament vision and uses AI to translate proceedings into 22 Indian languages
- Ms. Ernesta participated in training by Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and Training (BPST), now PRIDE
- Cooperation areas discussed include health, digital transformation, infrastructure, and renewable energy
- Seychelles is described as a trusted partner in the Indian Ocean region under Vision MAHASAGAR
Exam Angle
𝕏 Official Update
A. She became the first woman Speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles.
Source: Press Information Bureau