India has approved a $175 million special economic package for Seychelles, alongside the signing of seven agreements aimed at bolstering cooperation across various sectors. The announcement was made during Seychelles President Patrick Herminie's state visit to India, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations and Seychelles' own 50th year of independence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Herminie held comprehensive discussions covering the full spectrum of bilateral relations, reaffirming their shared vision for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region. Modi extended congratulations to Herminie on his October 2025 election victory and invited him to India as a guest of honor for Seychelles' upcoming 50th-anniversary celebrations.

The $175 million package comprises a blended financial assistance, including a $125 million Line of Credit (LOC) in rupees and $50 million in grant assistance. This package is earmarked to support projects in social housing, e-mobility, vocational training, health, defense, and maritime security in Seychelles. These initiatives are expected to generate employment and enhance skill development opportunities for the Seychellois youth.

The seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed encompass a wide array of collaborations:

• Pharmacopoeia Cooperation: Enhancing cooperation in the field of pharmaceuticals.
• Cultural Exchange Programs (2026-2030): Promoting people-to-people connections through cultural exchanges.
• Digital Solutions Sharing: Sharing knowledge on successful large-scale digital solutions for digital transformation.
• Food Procurement: Facilitating the procurement of food between the National Cooperative Exports Limited and the Seychelles Trading Corporation.
• Training of Civil Servants: India will provide training to Seychelles civil servants, fostering capacity building.

In addition to the economic package and MoUs, India and Seychelles adopted a Joint Vision statement, serving as a roadmap for their cooperation in the coming years. This vision emphasizes sustainability, economic growth, and security through enhanced linkages, highlighting Seychelles' role as a key pillar in India's MAHASAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision. Both countries agreed to intensify political and socio-economic engagements at all levels and deepen cooperation through parliamentary exchanges.

Both leaders recognized the importance of maritime security and regional stability, agreeing to explore new avenues of economic cooperation, including increasing trade in local currencies and collaborating on fintech and digital solutions. India's growing role in health diplomacy, including sharing medical expertise, institutional partnerships, and specialized care, has delivered tangible benefits to the people of Seychelles.

Prime Minister Modi also welcomed Seychelles as a full member of the Colombo Security Conclave, emphasizing defense cooperation and maritime security as key pillars of the bilateral relationship. This inclusion is expected to bolster peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region, deepening the partnership between the two maritime neighbors. Both nations will also broaden collaboration in renewable energy, resilience, and climate-adaptive solutions, leveraging India's expertise in marine research, capacity building, and data sharing to support Seychelles' development in the blue economy.