PM Modi To Meet World's Oldest Living Land Animal During Seychelles Visit; Here's What It Is

Published 27 June 2026 · india

PM Modi To Meet World's Oldest Living Land Animal During Seychelles Visit; Here's What It Is Published By, Last Updated: June 27, 2026, 07:08 IST

PM Modi To Meet World's Oldest Living Land Animal During Seychelles Visit; Here's What It Is Published By, Last Updated: June 27, 2026, 07:08 IST Apart from attending events linked to Seychelles' Day celebrations, PM Modi will visit the Seychelles Coast Guard Base. Rapid Read Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet Jonathan, believed to be the world’s oldest living land animal, during his three day visit to Seychelles that began on Friday. Jonathan, an Aldabra giant tortoise estimated to be around 194 years old, lives at the Seychelles Botanical Gardens and holds the Guinness World Record as the world’s oldest living land animal. Although his exact age has not been verified, he has lived far longer than the average lifespan of his species.

The Prime Minister’s interaction with Jonathan is being seen as a reflection of the importance India and Seychelles attach to conservation, sustainability and the protection of natural heritage. PM Modi is visiting the island nation as the Chief Guest for its Day celebrations, which this year mark 50 years of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles. After arriving in Seychelles, the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit the Botanical Gardens, where he will also participate in a tree plantation programme aimed at highlighting shared commitments towards biodiversity conservation, environmental protection and climate resilience in the Indian Ocean region. Apart from attending events linked to Seychelles’ Day celebrations, PM Modi will visit the Seychelles Coast Guard Base. Maritime security and regional stability remain key areas of cooperation between the two countries.

During the visit, the Prime Minister is expected to hold talks with Seychelles President Dr Patrick Herminie to review bilateral ties and discuss ways to expand cooperation in maritime security, the blue economy, climate action and defence. Indian Navy ships and a contingent of Indian defence personnel will also take part in the Day celebrations. PM Modi last travelled to Seychelles in 2015, and officials expect the current visit to further strengthen people to people ties and create new opportunities for economic and strategic cooperation between the two countries. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad.