New Delhi, June 28: During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Seychelles from June 27 to 29, India and Seychelles signed several significant agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral relations. The two nations agreed to strengthen partnerships in various sectors, including health, education, capacity building, digital transformation, renewable energy, maritime security, defense, agriculture, space, and financial cooperation. This information was released in a statement by India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Sunday.
According to the ministry, delegation-level talks took place between Prime Minister Modi and Seychelles President Dr. Patrick Herminie at the State House in Victoria. The leaders discussed not only bilateral relations but also regional and global challenges such as security in the Indian Ocean region, illegal fishing, drug trafficking, and maritime piracy.
During the discussions, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to Seychelles’ developmental priorities, emphasizing a dedication to further strengthening the long-standing trust and partnership between the two nations.
Both leaders unveiled a joint commemorative logo to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles.
Following this, multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged, covering areas such as capacity building, UPI, health, agriculture, shipping, extradition, and the line of credit.
The Ministry of External Affairs announced that India would provide Seychelles with a line of credit worth ₹1,250 crore.
Additionally, new developmental initiatives were announced in food security, infrastructure, health, vocational training, maritime security, and defense. Seychelles also declared its intention to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi addressed a special session of the Seychelles National Assembly, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so.
In his speech, he highlighted the historic friendship between India and Seychelles, along with shared values such as democracy, the rule of law, and people-centered governance. He noted that mutual trust and close cooperation have established strong partnerships in areas like development, maritime security, technology, innovation, health, and capacity building. Modi also called for increased parliamentary exchanges between the two democratic nations.
Prime Minister Modi met with Seychelles’ opposition leader Bernard Georges, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the special friendship between India and Seychelles.
On the occasion of Seychelles’ Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations, Prime Minister Modi also met with Mauritius Prime Minister Dr. Navin Ramgoolam. This meeting marked their fourth since Ramgoolam took office in November 2024.
During their discussions, they reviewed ongoing development projects between India and Mauritius and the progress of the special economic package provided by India. Modi emphasized that India places special importance on Mauritius’ development, stating that ongoing projects would enhance health, connectivity, sustainable development, and the blue economy.
Both leaders reiterated their commitment to the advanced strategic partnership between India and Mauritius, as well as India’s ‘Vision Ocean’ and ‘Neighborhood First’ policy. They also agreed to continue working together for the interests of the Global South and for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region.
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