VICTORIA, Seychelles: Modi Seychelles award scrutiny grew after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the newly created “Guardian of the Blue Horizon” honours during his June 27-29 visit.
President Patrick Herminie presented the award at the State House in Victoria. The honour recognised Modi’s leadership on sustainable development, environmental conservation and climate resilience.
Images of the certificate then circulated online with spelling errors, including “Republic’s” and “Seychelles,” according to the report. The mistakes drew criticism from Indian opposition politicians and social media users.
Supriya Shrinate of the Indian National Congress said on X on June 28 that the errors showed officials had acted in a hurry.
The Seychelles Ministry of Foreign Affairs later said the circulated image showed a working draft, not the final certificate.
The ministry also said the “Guardian of the Blue Horizon” distinction was genuine. Reports said Seychelles’ cabinet approved the award days before Modi arrived.
Read: India Rejects Epstein Reference to Modi as Opposition Cries Foul
The episode added to the debate over Modi’s foreign honours. The Indian prime minister has received more than 30 accolades during foreign visits, including Indonesia’s Bintang Adipurna on July 7.
Some honours serve Modi’s personal image more than India’s diplomacy. Supporters argue the awards reflect India’s rising global stature and expanding bilateral ties.
