PM Modi’s visit deepens India-Seychelles strategic relations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's three-day visit to Seychelles has significantly deepened the strategic relationship between India and the archipelago nation. The two countries finalized key agreements, including an extradition treaty, a line of credit worth ₹1,250 crore, and an accord on India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system.

Discussions between Modi and Seychelles President Patrick Herminie focused on enhancing cooperation in maritime security and addressing shared regional challenges. Underscoring the growing defense ties, India also handed over a patrol vessel and other equipment to the Seychelles Defence Force during the visit.

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We believe the defence and security of India and Seychelles are inseparable. We will continue our close cooperation in this regard.

"We believe the defence and security of India and Seychelles are inseparable. We will continue our close cooperation in this regard," Modi stated, emphasizing India's vision for an Indian Ocean that prioritizes maritime security alongside economic prosperity, built on mutual respect and trust. He articulated this vision as making the Indian Ocean "an ocean of opportunity."

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Our vision is to make the Indian Ocean into an ocean of opportunity.

President Herminie echoed the importance of Indian Ocean security in the bilateral relationship, reaffirming Seychelles' role in India's MAHASAGAR initiative. Both leaders committed to countering piracy, drug trafficking, illegal fishing, and cross-border crimes. Herminie acknowledged India's crucial support in maritime surveillance, hydrography, and defense capacity-building, including the provision of patrol and attack vessels.

India's special economic package of $175 million will fund projects in social housing, green mobility, defense, maritime security, vocational training, and healthcare. "The Indian Ocean unites us and we are committed to ensuring it remains a beacon of peace and shared prosperity," Herminie added. The leaders also exchanged views on global and regional developments, including the crisis in West Asia and ongoing maritime challenges.

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The Indian Ocean unites us and we are committed to ensuring it remains a beacon of peace and shared prosperity.