Prime Minister Narendra Modi's State Visit to Seychelles resulted in major agreements on digital payments, defence, AI, cyber security, maritime cooperation and development assistance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three-day State Visit to Seychelles marked a major step in deepening the strategic partnership between the two countries. Both sides signed a series of agreements covering digital payments, maritime security, artificial intelligence, cyber security, space cooperation and development projects. India also announced a Rs 1,250 crore Line of Credit, handed over humanitarian assistance and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Seychelles’ development priorities.
Addressing a special media briefing in Victoria, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the visit showed the importance India attaches to its partnership with Seychelles under the MAHASAGAR vision and India’s broader engagement with the Global South. “As you would be aware, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a state visit to the Republic of Seychelles from June 27 to 29 at the invitation of His Excellency President Herminie. This visit comes on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the independence of Seychelles. It is also a happy coincidence that it is the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles,” Misri said.
He said India and Seychelles share a relationship that dates back more than two centuries. “This is a long-standing, historical relationship. It dates back to the arrival of the first people from the Indian subcontinent as far back as 1770. It has long been underpinned by close people-to-people relations and, in the modern era, by growing developmental partnership initiatives, including substantive maritime security and defence cooperation,” Misri said.
The Prime Minister received a ceremonial welcome upon his arrival in Seychelles. President Herminie and Vice President Sebastien Pillay welcomed him at the airport. PM Modi also witnessed a cultural performance by members of the Indian diaspora and local artists before travelling to the National Botanical Garden, where he planted a sapling of the iconic coco de mer palm under his “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative.
