Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Seychelles marks a significant milestone in the country's 50th anniversary of independence and India–Seychelles diplomatic relations.
The visit reflects the growing strategic importance of the western Indian Ocean and recognition that India's partnership with a Large Ocean State in its immediate neighbourhood serves the maritime security interests of both India and Seychelles.
India has provided Seychelles with a Fast Patrol Vessel, two Dornier maritime patrol aircraft, patrol boats, and embedded defence personnel serving alongside Seychellois forces.
The relationship has evolved steadily over decades, with India financing transport, judicial, and digital infrastructure, renewable energy, and community projects through Indian Lines of Credit.
The two countries have adopted Joint Vision SESEL, a roadmap for Sustainability, Economic Growth, and Security through Enhanced Linkages, spanning renewable energy, the blue economy, digital governance, healthcare, and maritime surveillance.
Seychelles has pioneered innovative approaches to ocean stewardship, including the issuance of a sovereign Blue Bond and a debt-for-nature swap to protect nearly one-third of its Exclusive Economic Zone from industrial activities.
The partnership is built on deep human links, with a significant Indian diaspora community in Seychelles and a shared history dating back to 1770.
