India and Seychelles on Monday adopted a Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL), reaffirming their commitment to deepen cooperation across development, maritime security, climate action, digital transformation and people-to-people ties.
The Joint Vision was adopted during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Seychelles President Patrick Herminie, who is on a State Visit to India from February 5 to 10 at the invitation of the Prime Minister. The visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of Seychelles’ independence and 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi congratulated President Herminie on his electoral victory in October 2025 and said India and Seychelles share a special, time-tested partnership rooted in history, kinship and democratic values. He said the relationship is people-centric and plays an important role in ensuring security and stability in the Western Indian Ocean Region.
President Herminie described India as a trusted and reliable partner for Seychelles and the region, and expressed gratitude for India’s long-standing support in meeting Seychelles’ development and security needs.
As part of strengthening the development partnership, India announced a Special Economic Package of USD 175 million, comprising a Rupee-denominated Line of Credit of USD 125 million and Grant assistance of USD 50 million. Prime Minister Modi said the package will support development cooperation projects, capacity building, defence cooperation and maritime security, while generating employment and skill development opportunities.
The two leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in digital transformation, with India extending support for the development of Digital Public Infrastructure in Seychelles, including digital payments, to improve governance and citizen services.
In the health sector, Prime Minister Modi announced the donation of 10 ambulances to Seychelles, while both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in public health, affordable medicines and hospital infrastructure. President Herminie thanked India for the donation of 1,000 metric tonnes of food grains, saying it would strengthen food security and help reduce the cost of living.
Both leaders emphasised the importance of capacity building and human resource development through expanded training programmes under initiatives such as the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme. They agreed to strengthen cooperation in areas including governance, cybersecurity, finance, agriculture, marine conservation, renewable energy and vocational training.
On climate action and sustainability, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation in renewable energy, climate resilience and green mobility. India agreed to provide technical assistance for power grid management and to support the implementation of multi-hazard early warning systems in Seychelles. Seychelles also agreed to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
Trade, investment and tourism were identified as key growth areas, with President Herminie encouraging Indian companies to explore opportunities in housing, digital technology, the blue economy, tourism and fisheries. Both sides agreed to work towards enhancing air connectivity to boost tourism and economic engagement.
Maritime security and defence cooperation featured prominently in the discussions. Prime Minister Modi said Seychelles is an important maritime partner in India’s MAHASAGAR vision and reiterated India’s continued support for strengthening Seychelles’ maritime security capabilities. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open and secure Indian Ocean Region, and agreed to enhance cooperation in maritime surveillance, hydrography, defence training and information sharing.
The leaders also welcomed Seychelles’ decision to become a full member of the Colombo Security Conclave and reiterated mutual support at regional and multilateral forums, including Seychelles’ support for India’s permanent membership of the UN Security Council.
Concluding the talks, both leaders expressed confidence that the Joint Vision will elevate the India–Seychelles partnership and deliver tangible benefits to the people of both nations. President Herminie thanked Prime Minister Modi for the warm hospitality and extended an invitation to him to visit Seychelles at a mutually convenient time.
