Port Louis, April 10: Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar met with his Seychelles counterpart, Barry Faure, on Friday during the 9th Indian Ocean Conference held in Mauritius. The meeting focused on India’s commitment to assist Seychelles in addressing its current economic challenges.
Jaishankar shared on the social media platform X, “Had a wonderful meeting with Seychelles Foreign Minister Barry Faure during the 9th Indian Ocean Conference. India is committed to supporting Seychelles in overcoming its current economic challenges. I welcome the steps taken for the implementation of the Special Economic Package.”
Currently on an official visit to Mauritius, Jaishankar is participating in the conference and engaging in bilateral talks with representatives from various countries. He is also reviewing the full spectrum of India-Mauritius relations with the leadership of Mauritius.
Earlier on Tuesday, India sent a shipment of 250 metric tons of food grains to Seychelles. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, this assistance is part of a special economic package worth $175 million, with further aid planned.
Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal announced on X, “A shipment of 250 metric tons of food grains has been sent to Seychelles. Assistance will continue under the $175 million Special Economic Package.”
During his visit to India in February, Seychelles President Patrick Herminie praised India’s support for development, security needs, and aspirations. He highlighted the importance of India’s assistance through lines of credit, grants, capacity building, and high-impact community development projects.
On February 9, Herminie met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The two leaders discussed various aspects of bilateral relations and agreed to enhance cooperation in the field of digital transformation. India assured support for developing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to strengthen governance in Seychelles, particularly in digital payment systems.
Under the ‘Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth, and Security through Enhanced Linkages’ (SESEL), Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to being a reliable partner in Seychelles’ national development agenda. The focus is on sustainable development, defense, maritime security, capacity building, resilience, and inclusive growth.
Both nations expressed their resolve to strengthen development partnerships with the interests of their people at the forefront. India announced a $175 million Special Economic Package, which includes a $125 million rupee-based line of credit and $50 million in grant assistance. This package will promote development projects, training for civil and defense officials, maritime security, and other collaborative programs.
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