Seychelles President Dr. Patrick Herminie arrived in India on Thursday for a state visit from February 5 to February 10. This marks his first official visit to India since assuming office in October of last year. The visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles, highlighting the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
President Herminie began his visit in Chennai, where he was warmly welcomed by State Adi Dravidar Welfare Minister M Mathivendhan, Chennai Mayor R Priya, and other senior officials. He is accompanied by the First Lady, Veronique Herminie. While in Chennai, he is scheduled to visit SIMS Hospital and Balaji Dental Hospital and meet with the State Governor R.N. Ravi.
Following his stay in Chennai, President Herminie will travel to Mumbai on February 7 to meet with the Governor of Maharashtra, Acharya Devvrat. He will then proceed to New Delhi on February 8.
In New Delhi, President Herminie's official engagements will commence on February 9 with a meeting with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at Rajghat. Later that day, he will engage in bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House, after which joint press statements are expected. He is also scheduled to meet with President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
On February 10, the final day of his visit, President Herminie will visit the Taj Mahal in Agra before departing from New Delhi later that night.
The visit is expected to focus on cooperation in maritime security, trade, development partnerships, and people-to-people exchanges. Discussions will cover bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest. India views Seychelles as vital for its maritime security and for countering threats such as piracy and illegal fishing. Both countries share a strong partnership in ensuring a stable and secure maritime environment, aligning with India's Vision MAHASAGAR and its commitment to the Global South. The invitation for this state visit was conveyed by the Vice-President of India, Hon. Shri Chandrapuran Ponnusami (C.P.) Radhakrishnan, during his visit to Seychelles in October 2025 for the inauguration of President Herminie.
Prior to arriving in India, President Herminie participated in the World Government Summit (WGS) in Dubai from February 3 to 5, alongside more than 35 other Heads of State and Government. The summit served as a platform for global dialogue on the future of governance and public policy, with a focus on health systems, social well-being, emerging technologies, sustainable development, and strategies to enhance quality of life. President Herminie's participation underscored Seychelles' commitment to forward-looking governance, people-centered development, and international cooperation in addressing shared global challenges.
India and Seychelles forged a strategic partnership in 2024 to ensure stable and secure maritime environments in the Indian Ocean. This visit by President Herminie further strengthens the ties between the two nations as they celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations.