Mahe (Seychelles): Stressing the need for an international environment conducive to peace and growth, India on September 9 called for vigilance against threat to Democracy worldwide from forces opposed to it, whether from terrorists or others.

"We must strive hard for a world free from fear, violence, conflicts and terrorism," Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat said in his address to a special session of the National Assembly of Seychelles.

Shekhawat, who arrived here on a five-day visit on September 8, said Democracies must join together with a renewed commitment and dedication for the welfare of the people, safeguarding the freedom and liberty, not only in political terms but also ensuring freedom from hunger, poverty, disease and disaster.

"And to accomplish this task without any distraction or hindrance, we need an international environment conducive to peace and growth. Peace must prevail if humanity has to survive," he said.

Earlier in the day, Shekhawat held wide-ranging talks with his Seychelles counterpart and Vice President James Michel followed by delegation-level parleys.

The Vice President also garlanded a bust of Mahatma Gandhi and visited the National Museum of History and Vivekananda Yoga Club.

This is the first high-level visit by an Indian leader to the island republic since Vice President Shankar Dayal Sharma toured the island nation in 1991.

PTI