• Seychelles, India sign MoUs to deepen strategic cooperation
• Modi announces $175 million programme supporting Seychelles development
• Visit marks 50 years of independence and bilateral relations

Seychelles and India announced several initiatives to strengthen bilateral ties after talks during Seychellois President Patrick Herminie’s official visit to India from Feb. 5-10, 2026, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The two countries signed a series of memorandums of understanding in strategic sectors including health, the environment, culture, digital technologies, capacity building and trade, broadening bilateral cooperation.

“I am confident that this visit will further strengthen the Seychelles–India partnership and translate into concrete outcomes that benefit our two countries and our peoples, as we deepen engagement grounded in mutual respect, shared interests, and common responsibilities in the Indian Ocean region,” President Herminie said.

The two leaders also adopted a Shared Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Partnerships (SESEL). Prime Minister Modi announced a $175 million special economic programme to support Seychelles’ development priorities, covering areas such as social housing, mobility, infrastructure, capacity building and maritime security.

The visit came less than 100 days after President Herminie’s inauguration and was symbolically significant, as both countries mark the 50th anniversary of Seychelles’ independence and five decades of diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Victoria.

India and Seychelles have long maintained close diplomatic and economic ties, including cooperation in defence, science and technology, air services and tourism. In 2015, Modi became the first Indian prime minister to visit Seychelles in 34 years.

The partnership is also underpinned by the Indo-Seychellois community, which accounts for about 9-10% of Seychelles’ population and plays a key role in sectors such as retail, construction, logistics and services. According to government data, bilateral trade remains strong: in November 2025, Indian exports to Seychelles totalled about $7.17 million, compared with $1.62 million in imports from the archipelago.

Lydie Mobio