Seychelles President Patrick Herminie has articulated a vision for the Indian Ocean as a zone of cooperation rather than an arena for competition, aligning with India's "Mahasagar" vision for the Indo-Pacific region. During his state visit to India from February 5 to 10, Herminie emphasized the importance of stability, sustainability, and openness in the Indian Ocean, viewing it as a shared space that supports development for all.
Herminie's visit to India coincided with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. This milestone provided a platform to deepen cooperation across multiple fronts. Discussions between Herminie and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led to India pledging a $175 million development fund for Seychelles, aimed at supporting projects in social housing, mobility, vocational training, health, defense, and maritime security.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring a free, open, safe, and secure Indian Ocean Region, underpinned by respect for international law, freedom of navigation, and a rules-based maritime order. They resolved to work closely to counter maritime challenges such as piracy, smuggling of narcotics and human trafficking, illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing, and other transnational crimes, including those with linkages to organized crime and terrorism financing.
India views Seychelles as a key maritime neighbor in the Indian Ocean region, holding a special place in India's Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions). This vision aims to foster inclusive security, prosperity, and connectivity across the Indian Ocean littoral states. Seychelles' proximity to vital sea lanes and its vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) make it a crucial partner in tracking maritime traffic, combating non-traditional security threats, and ensuring freedom of navigation in the IOR.
During the "India-Seychelles Business Forum" in Chennai, Herminie reaffirmed the longstanding and strategic bilateral relations between the two countries, describing them as time-tested, rooted in shared history, and forward-looking in ambition. He appreciated India's consistent partnership and reconfirmed Seychelles' commitment to further strengthening cooperation and deepening economic engagement between the two countries. Discussions at the forum highlighted opportunities for collaboration in renewable energy, digital technologies, infrastructure, green mobility, education, and the blue economy.
The President's visit also served to strengthen people-to-people relations and cultural ties between India and Seychelles. The Indian community in Seychelles has made significant contributions to the island nation's social and economic life, further solidifying the bond between the two countries.