India, Seychelles Unveil Joint Vision for Growth, Security and Sustainability

• India and Seychelles announce joint SESEL vision for development and security
• $175-million special economic package unveiled by India
• Focus on digital infrastructure, healthcare, maritime security and climate action
• Defence, blue economy and tourism cooperation to be expanded

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 9th Feb: India and Seychelles unveiled a Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL), alongside a $175-million special economic package, following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Patrick Herminie in New Delhi.

President Herminie is on a State Visit to India from February 5 to 10, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Seychelles’ independence and the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

During their meeting on February 9, the two leaders held wide-ranging discussions on political, economic, defence and development cooperation. They reaffirmed the close maritime partnership between the two nations and emphasised their shared commitment to security and stability in the Western Indian Ocean region.

President Herminie described India as a trusted partner and expressed gratitude for its continued support to Seychelles’ development priorities. Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to remain a reliable partner, particularly in sustainability, maritime security, resilience and inclusive growth.

As part of the new vision, India announced a $175-million special economic package, including a $125-million rupee-denominated line of credit and $50 million in grant assistance. The funds will support development projects, capacity building, maritime security and civilian and defence cooperation.

The two countries also agreed to strengthen digital cooperation, with India supporting the development of Digital Public Infrastructure in Seychelles, including digital payments and e-governance systems.

In the health sector, India will assist with the construction of a new hospital, support the recruitment of medical professionals and expand public health cooperation. India also donated 10 advanced ambulances and 1,000 metric tonnes of grains to boost healthcare services and food security in the island nation.

Both sides agreed to expand training programmes under capacity-building initiatives, including civil services, defence, finance, cybersecurity, agriculture and marine conservation. Cooperation in renewable energy, climate resilience and disaster preparedness will also be deepened, with Seychelles set to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.

The leaders emphasised trade, tourism and connectivity as key pillars of the partnership, noting the rise in Indian tourists to Seychelles following direct flight connectivity. They also agreed to enhance cooperation in the blue economy and hydrography, including the establishment of a Seychelles Hydrographic Unit with Indian assistance.

On defence and maritime security, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open and rules-based Indian Ocean. They agreed to expand joint surveillance, capacity building, training and the provision of naval and air assets to strengthen Seychelles’ defence capabilities.

The leaders also discussed regional and multilateral cooperation, with Seychelles reiterating its support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council.

Concluding the talks, both leaders expressed confidence that the new SESEL vision would deepen bilateral ties and deliver tangible benefits to the people of both countries, while reinforcing stability and development across the Indian Ocean region.