PM Modi to meet 194-year-old giant tortoise Jonathan during Seychelles visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet Jonathan, the world's oldest living land animal, during his visit to Seychelles next week, where he will also participate in the country's National Day celebrations and hold talks with its leadership.

During the visit, Modi is scheduled to tour the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens, where he will plant a tree and meet Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise estimated to have been born in 1832.

Recognised by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest living land animal and the oldest known tortoise, Jonathan is now around 194 years old.

Despite his remarkable age, Jonathan remains in good health. Although he has poor eyesight due to cataracts and a diminished sense of smell, veterinarians say he continues to have a healthy appetite and remains one of the biggest attractions associated with Seychelles. Scientists are also studying his DNA to better understand ageing and longevity.

Modi's visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles. He has been invited as the Guest of Honour for the island nation's National Day celebrations and is expected to hold discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation.

According to officials, the visit is expected to further deepen India-Seychelles ties in areas such as maritime security, the blue economy, climate resilience and capacity building. The tree-planting ceremony at the botanical gardens is also intended to underscore the shared commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.

Jonathan has lived through nearly two centuries of world history, witnessing dramatic political and technological changes. His longevity has made him an international symbol of resilience and an important subject of scientific research into healthy ageing.