Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with Seychelles, describing the Indian Ocean as a shared responsibility and calling for a future built on innovation, sustainability and shared prosperity. Speaking during a joint press statement with Seychelles President Dr. Patrick Herminie, the Prime Minister Modi highlighted the growing scope of bilateral cooperation across economic development, digital technology, maritime security, healthcare, climate action and people-to-people exchanges.
The Prime Minister’s visit comes at a landmark moment as Seychelles marks 50 years of independence while India and Seychelles also celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. He said the relationship has steadily evolved over the decades, transforming friendship into trust, cooperation and people-centric development.
“Our vision is to make the Indian Ocean an Ocean of Opportunity,” the Prime Minister said, stressing that maritime security, sustainability and prosperity remain a shared responsibility for all countries in the region.
Strengthening a Trusted Strategic Partnership
Addressing the media after bilateral discussions, the Prime Minister said India and Seychelles have developed a partnership rooted in mutual respect and shared priorities. Referring to the Joint Vision announced during President Herminie’s visit to India earlier this year, he said the two countries are now moving forward with a clear roadmap for expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.
He noted that both governments discussed ways to make economic cooperation more resilient and future-ready while exploring new opportunities for businesses and investors from both nations.
The Prime Minister also announced plans to improve connectivity between India and Seychelles, saying stronger transport links would not only enhance bilateral trade but also strengthen engagement with East Africa and the wider Indian Ocean region.
Digital Partnership Takes Centre Stage
Digital transformation emerged as one of the major themes of the bilateral talks. The Prime Minister said India would share its successful Digital Public Infrastructure experience with Seychelles to support the island nation’s digital development.
He welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for the implementation of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Seychelles, describing it as an important step towards promoting secure, efficient and inclusive digital payments.
According to the Prime Minister, technology has become one of the most effective ways to bridge geographical distances and create new opportunities for economic cooperation.
Development Assistance Focused on Seychelles’ Priorities
Highlighting India’s development partnership, the Prime Minister said New Delhi continues to support projects that reflect the priorities and aspirations of the people of Seychelles.
He referred to the previously announced Special Economic Package worth 175 million US dollars, under which projects in social housing, transport, skill development, food security, education and defence are progressing.
The Prime Minister also underlined India’s long-standing commitment to human resource development in Seychelles. He expressed satisfaction over India’s contribution to training civil servants and welcomed the virtual ground-breaking ceremony of a Professional and Technical Centre that aims to enhance employment opportunities and skill development for Seychellois youth.
Expanding Cooperation in Healthcare
Healthcare remains another important pillar of the bilateral partnership, the Prime Minister said, recalling India’s support to Seychelles during the COVID-19 pandemic through the supply of vaccines.
He welcomed the signing of an agreement on Jan Aushadhi, saying it would help make quality and affordable medicines more accessible to people in Seychelles.
India, he added, will continue supporting medical capacity building and training initiatives to strengthen the island nation’s healthcare system.
Blue Economy and Climate Action
The Prime Minister emphasised that cooperation on clean energy and environmental sustainability will continue to expand. He said India and Seychelles will explore new opportunities in areas such as Green Hydrogen while strengthening collaboration on climate action.
Describing the Blue Economy as a natural and strategic area of partnership, he said India would share its expertise in ocean observation, marine science and coastal management with Seychelles.
He also welcomed the signing of a space cooperation agreement, saying both countries are committed to working together in emerging technologies that contribute to sustainable development.
Maritime Security Remains a Shared Priority
The Prime Minister reiterated that India’s security and Seychelles’ security are closely interconnected. He said defence and maritime cooperation will continue to remain a major pillar of bilateral relations, reflecting the shared responsibility of safeguarding peace and stability across the Indian Ocean.
He reaffirmed India’s MAHASAGAR vision, which promotes regional cooperation for maritime security, sustainable development and collective prosperity.
People-to-People Ties Continue to Grow
The Prime Minister said the strongest foundation of India-Seychelles relations lies in the close bonds between their people. He announced that both countries will strengthen institutional cooperation in sports while encouraging greater interaction between athletes.
He also highlighted the popularity of yoga and Indian cinema in Seychelles, saying these cultural connections continue to deepen mutual understanding between the two societies.
Special emphasis, he noted, will be placed on expanding youth exchanges and cultural engagement in the coming years.
Looking Ahead to the Next 50 Years
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister said the next phase of India-Seychelles relations will be driven by innovation, sustainability and inclusive growth.
“The last fifty years of our relationship have been marked by deep trust and shared progress. The next fifty years will be defined by innovation, sustainability and shared prosperity,” he said.
Expressing gratitude to the President and the people of Seychelles for their warm hospitality, the Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to working closely with Seychelles in building a peaceful, secure and prosperous Indian Ocean region for future generations.
