PM Modi Visit to Seychelles

Syllabus: GS2/ International Relations

Context

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Seychelles as the Guest of Honour during the country’s 50th Independence Day celebrations.

Key Highlights of the Visit

• Development Partnership: India extended a ₹1,250 crore Line of Credit for priority infrastructure projects in Seychelles.
• Maritime Security: India handed over a Fast Patrol Vessel, 10 utility vehicles, and 5 Laser Radial boats to strengthen Seychelles’ coastal security and surveillance capabilities.
• Digital Connectivity: An agreement with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) will enable the rollout of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Seychelles, facilitating seamless digital payments and boosting tourism.
• Capacity Building: Both countries agreed to expand cooperation in technical education, healthcare, agriculture, skill development, and space applications under the SESEL (Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages) framework.
• Blue Economy: Cooperation will focus on marine resource management, sustainable fisheries, ocean science, and the sustainable use of marine resources.

India–Seychelles Relations

Diplomatic Relations:

• Diplomatic ties were established in 1976, after Seychelles gained independence.
• Around 10% of Seychelles’ population is of Indian origin, strengthening cultural and people-to-people ties.

Development Partnership:

• India has supported Seychelles through Lines of Credit, grant assistance, and High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs).
• Cooperation spans infrastructure, housing, transport, education, healthcare, and capacity building.
• In 2026, India announced a USD 175 million Special Economic Package for Seychelles.
• Both countries also adopted the SESEL Joint Vision to deepen cooperation in sustainability, economic growth, and security.

Trade and Economy:

• Bilateral trade (April 2024–February 2025) stood at USD 72.92 million.
  • India’s exports: USD 68.64 million
  • India’s imports: USD 4.28 million

Energy Cooperation:

• Seychelles became a founding member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) after ratifying its Framework Agreement in 2017.
• In 2024, a solar-powered cold storage facility was commissioned on Praslin Island with ISA support.

Multilateral Cooperation:

Both countries cooperate closely in:

• Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)
• Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) (India is a Development Partner)
• International Solar Alliance (ISA)
• Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)

People-to-People Ties:

• The Indian diaspora has played an important role in strengthening cultural exchanges, business relations, and long-standing goodwill between the two countries.

Major Challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)

• Growing threats from piracy, terrorism, drug trafficking, and arms smuggling.
• Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, which threatens marine biodiversity and coastal livelihoods.
• Rising sea levels and extreme weather events, making island nations highly vulnerable to climate change.
• Increasing strategic competition among major powers over ports and maritime infrastructure.
• Vulnerability of key Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) and maritime chokepoints, affecting global trade and energy security.

Conclusion

• India and Seychelles share a comprehensive strategic partnership built on development cooperation, maritime security, trade, renewable energy, the Blue Economy, and regional connectivity. 
• As trusted partners in the Indian Ocean Region, both countries continue to strengthen cooperation to promote security, sustainable development, and inclusive growth.

Source: TH