Seychelles invites Indian businesses to tap gateway to Africa after PM Modi's visit: Envoy

Seychelles is actively encouraging Indian businesses to leverage its strategic location as a pivotal gateway to the African continent, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent state visit. Harisoa Lalatiana Accouche, Seychelles' High Commissioner to India, emphasized this opportunity during the 17th Toy Biz International B2B Expo 2026 in New Delhi.

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Despite the fact that Seychelles is small, the location we have is very strategic, where we can play a big role in connecting Africa. Africa is a big market between Asia and even the Middle East. So don't look at Seychelles as small, but look at the location where we can play a big, big role connecting many countries and many continents.

"Despite the fact that Seychelles is small, the location we have is very strategic, where we can play a big role in connecting Africa," Accouche stated. She elaborated that Africa represents a significant market situated between Asia and the Middle East, positioning Seychelles as a crucial hub for connecting numerous countries and continents. She urged businesses not to overlook Seychelles due to its size but to recognize its strategic importance in global trade routes.

The High Commissioner underscored the deep historical ties and strong people-to-people connections that underpin the relationship between India and Seychelles, extending beyond mere diplomatic engagement. The current focus is on capitalizing on the positive momentum generated by Prime Minister Modi's visit to cultivate more robust cooperation across various sectors.

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That's obvious. We are going to strengthen more, not only in the business sector but also in people-to-people connections. I am very happy to be here to witness the strengthening of relations and happy to follow up and happy to work more for that.

Accouche expressed strong confidence in the continued deepening of bilateral relations, stating, "We are going to strengthen more, not only in the business sector but also in people-to-people connections." She described Modi's visit as highly successful and expressed enthusiasm for follow-up actions that will further solidify the relationship. It was a significant honor for Seychelles to host Prime Minister Modi as the Guest of Honour for the 50th anniversary of the nation's independence.

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It has been not only a visit but a way to strengthen further the relations between Seychelles and India, which are based on historical links. It is not only about diplomatic relations but also people-to-people connectivity.

Prime Minister Modi encouraged increased trade and commercial engagement, inviting Indian investors and businesses to explore opportunities within Seychelles. Accouche acknowledged that Seychelles imports most of its goods due to limited domestic production. She noted that Modi's initiative aims to boost trade and commerce between the two nations, encouraging Indian entrepreneurs to invest in the island nation. Seychelles' strategic position offers Indian businesses a valuable entry point to larger regional markets, particularly in Africa.

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In fact, Seychelles is very small. We do not produce much and we import most of everything. Prime Minister Modi encouraged us to increase the trade and commerce between the two countries and encouraged Indian investors and Indian businessmen to come to Seychelles.