The two countries signed multiple Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Seychelles President Patrick Herminie. The two countries agreed to continue exploring new opportunities to further strengthen economic cooperation.
“Along with increasing trade in local currencies, we will also collaborate on fintech and digital solutions,” PM Modi said. “Development partnerships have been the strong foundation of India-Seychelles relations. All our efforts are based on Seychelles’ priorities and needs.”
Herminie invited Modi has the Guest of Honour in Seychelles’ 50th anniversary of independence, which coincides with the golden jubilee of diplomatic relations between the two nations. During the joint address, he noted that economic engagement and development support featured prominently in the exchanges.
Seychelles civil servants will be trained in India
During his address, the prime minister said that the two countries have signed an MoU for the training of Seychelles civil servants in India.
“These initiatives will create employment and skill development opportunities for the people of Seychelles, especially the youth. India’s ITEC program has played a significant role in capacity building in Seychelles,” he said.
“The relationship between India and Seychelles is not limited to diplomatic contacts alone,” he said. “For centuries, the waves of the Indian Ocean have continued to connect our peoples. Along its shores, trade between the two countries grew, cultures met and mingled, and traditions of trust grew ever stronger,” he added.He noted that India and Seychelles are connected not just by geography, but by history, trust and a shared vision for the future. The development partnership has been the strong foundation of India-Seychelles relations.
Other areas of India-Seychelles cooperation
The two countries plan to expand cooperation on renewable energy, resilience, and climate adaptation solutions. They also addressed infrastructure development and investment facilitation as key enablers of economic resilience and inclusive growth.
The two leaders discussed strengthening ties through tourism, education, and sports. They will place special emphasis on increasing exchanges between the youth of both countries. During the discussions held in New Delhi, Modi and Herminie gave particular attention to sustainable transport and climate-resilient infrastructure, including electric mobility solutions and clean public transport systems.
“As Indian Ocean states, maritime security and regional stability remain central to our relationship…Tourism remains a cornerstone of the Seychelles economy, and India represents a growing market supported by improving air connectivity,” Herminie said.
“As maritime neighbours, the blue economy is a natural area of cooperation for us… Together, we will shape not only bilateral cooperation but also a shared future for the Indian Ocean region,” PM Modi said.
Giving a ‘futuristic direction’ to their technological partnership, the countries have signed an MoU on digital transformation, under which India will share its successful experience with Seychelles. Alongside this, an MoU on sharing successful digital solutions for digital transformation was also signed.
“India’s growing role in health diplomacy, including the sharing of medical expertise, institutional partnerships, and specialised care, has delivered tangible benefits to the people of Seychelles,” Herminie said.
The greatest strength of India–Seychelles relations is our people-to-people ties, the prime minister said, noting that the Indian community settled in Seychelles has made a remarkable contribution to the social and economic life of Seychelles.
Both countries will also release the India-Seychelles Joint Vision today which will serve as a roadmap for their cooperation in the coming years. “Today’s meeting clearly shows that the partnership between India and Seychelles is entering a new phase,” Modi said.