India, Seychelles adopt joint vision for sustainability, growth and maritime security

NEW DELHI: India and Seychelles on Monday adopted a Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages, marking a major step to deepen cooperation across development, defence, digital transformation and climate action.

The joint vision, SESEL, was announced after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Patrick Herminie during the latter’s State Visit to India from February 5 to 10. The visit comes close to 100 days after President Herminie’s inauguration and coincides with the 50th year of Seychelles’ independence and the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

During comprehensive discussions, Modi and Herminie reaffirmed that India and Seychelles, as close maritime neighbours, share a time-tested partnership rooted in history, kinship, democracy and pluralism. The leaders underlined that people-centric cooperation between the two countries contributes to security and stability in the Western Indian Ocean Region, with Seychelles remaining a key pillar of India’s MAHASAGAR vision.

President Herminie described India as a trusted and reliable partner for Seychelles and the wider region, expressing appreciation for India’s long-standing assistance in national development and security. Modi reiterated India’s commitment to remain a pivotal partner in Seychelles’ development agenda, with emphasis on sustainability, resilience, capacity building, defence and inclusive growth.

As part of the development partnership, India announced a Special Economic Package of USD 175 million for Seychelles. The package includes USD 125 million as a rupee-denominated line of credit and USD 50 million as grant assistance for development projects, capacity building, maritime security and defence cooperation.

The two sides agreed to expand cooperation in digital transformation, with India supporting the buildout of Digital Public Infrastructure in Seychelles, including digital payments, to improve governance and citizen services.

In the health sector, President Herminie thanked Modi for the donation of 10 fully equipped ambulances to support emergency services. Both leaders agreed to strengthen public health cooperation through training programmes, exchange of medical professionals, construction of a new hospital, and recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia to facilitate access to affordable medicines through the Jan Aushadhi initiative. India also donated 1,000 metric tonnes of grains to support food security and reduce the cost of living in Seychelles.

The leaders agreed to expand capacity building and human resource development through programmes such as ITEC, customised training for Seychellois civil servants in India, and enhanced institutional linkages in areas including cybersecurity, finance, climate change, marine conservation, education and vocational training.

On climate action and sustainability, both sides reaffirmed cooperation in renewable energy and climate resilience. India agreed to extend technical assistance for power grid management and green public transport, while Seychelles will join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. The leaders also agreed to support the implementation of multi-hazard early warning systems in Seychelles.

In trade, investment and tourism, Herminie invited Indian businesses to view Seychelles as a major investment hub, particularly in affordable housing, digital technology, AI, financial services, the blue economy, tourism and fisheries. Both sides noted that increased direct flights have boosted Indian tourist arrivals and agreed to explore further connectivity.

The two leaders also agreed to enhance cooperation in hydrography, with Seychelles set to establish a Seychelles Hydrographic Unit with Indian assistance. The third Joint Commission Meeting on Hydrography will be held in Seychelles in early 2026.

Maritime security and defence cooperation featured prominently in the talks. Modi and Herminie reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open and secure Indian Ocean Region, and to jointly address challenges such as piracy, drug smuggling, human trafficking and illegal fishing. India will continue to support Seychelles through joint surveillance, hydrographic surveys, training, and the provision of naval and air assets. President Herminie expressed appreciation for India’s assistance, including the refit of PS Zoroaster and recent donations of utility vehicles and laser radial boats.

At the regional and multilateral level, Modi welcomed Seychelles’ decision to become a full member of the Colombo Security Conclave, while Herminie reiterated support for India’s permanent membership of the UN Security Council.

Both leaders underscored the importance of people-to-people ties and agreed to institutionalise cooperation in culture, education, tourism and youth engagement. They concluded that the strengthened Seychelles–India partnership will continue to serve as a cornerstone for stability and development in the Indian Ocean Region.

President Herminie thanked Modi for the hospitality extended during the visit and invited him to undertake an official visit to Seychelles at a mutually convenient time.

Vice-President calls on Seychelles President

Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan called on President Patrick Herminie in New Delhi, where the two leaders reviewed key aspects of India–Seychelles bilateral relations as the two countries mark 50 years of diplomatic ties.

During the meeting, they discussed avenues to further strengthen cooperation across sectors including maritime security, renewable energy, healthcare, higher education, hospitality and digitalisation.

Radhakrishnan recalled his visit to Seychelles in October last year, when he attended the swearing-in ceremony of President Herminie. Both leaders reaffirmed their shared vision for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region.