PM Modi, Seychelles President Unveil New Strategic Roadmap

• PM Modi held bilateral talks with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie.
• India and Seychelles agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, defence, digital technology and the Blue Economy.
• India announced support for skill development, healthcare and connectivity projects.
• UPI, space cooperation and Jan Aushadhi MoUs signed to strengthen bilateral ties.

GG News Bureau
Victoria (Seychelles), 28th June: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Seychelles President Dr. Patrick Herminie on Sunday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries, with a focus on maritime security, economic cooperation, digital connectivity and sustainable development.

Addressing a joint press conference after bilateral talks, Modi said India envisions an Indian Ocean “where maritime security goes hand in hand with economic prosperity” and stressed that the next phase of India-Seychelles relations would be driven by innovation, sustainability and shared prosperity.

The Prime Minister thanked the Seychelles government for conferring upon him the “Guardian of the Blue Horizon” award and dedicated the honour to countries working to combat climate change and protect the environment for future generations.

Marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and Seychelles’ independence, Modi said the two nations have transformed friendship into trust and cooperation over the past five decades. He said the MAHASAGAR Vision would continue to guide collaboration in ensuring the security, sustainability and prosperity of the Indian Ocean region.

The two leaders discussed expanding trade, investment and connectivity while agreeing to share India’s experience in Digital Public Infrastructure. An MoU for the implementation of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Seychelles was signed during the visit.

Modi said work is progressing under India’s USD 175 million Special Economic Package announced earlier this year, covering social housing, transport, education, food security, skilling and defence projects. He also virtually inaugurated the foundation for a Professional and Technical Centre aimed at enhancing skills and employment opportunities for Seychellois youth.

The Prime Minister highlighted cooperation in healthcare, noting that a new Jan Aushadhi agreement would improve access to affordable medicines in Seychelles. He also announced enhanced collaboration in clean energy, Green Hydrogen, the Blue Economy, ocean sciences, coastal management and space technology.

Calling people-to-people ties the true strength of the bilateral relationship, Modi said both countries would strengthen cooperation in sports, youth exchanges and cultural engagement while continuing close collaboration in defence and security.

“Our vision is to make the Indian Ocean an Ocean of Opportunity,” the Prime Minister said.