As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to visit Seychelles from June 27-29 as the Guest of Honour for the island nation’s Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations, the visit shines a spotlight on the enduring people-to-people ties, vibrant cultural exchanges and development partnership that have become key pillars of India-Seychelles relations.
Centuries-old cultural connections
India and Seychelles share historical links dating back more than 250 years. The first recorded group of five Indians arrived in Seychelles in 1770, laying the foundation for a community that has since become an integral part of the country’s social and economic fabric.
Today, nearly 6,000 Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) hold Seychellois citizenship, while more than 9,000 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) live and work in the island nation, mainly in construction, retail and professional services. Despite Seychelles’ relatively small population of around 120,000, the Indian community has established itself as a prominent force in commerce, construction and public life.
The strong diaspora presence has helped nurture close cultural ties between the two countries, with regular exchanges of artists, performers and community groups supported by both governments.
Celebrating India’s cultural heritage
India’s cultural footprint in Seychelles has expanded steadily over the years through exhibitions, festivals and artistic collaborations.
One of the most significant milestones came in June 2022, when a statue of Mahatma Gandhi was installed at Victoria’s Peace Park, joining statues of global icons including Nelson Mandela and Seychelles’ founding President Sir James Mancham.
Cultural exchanges have also flowed in the opposite direction. During his visit to India in 2018, former Seychelles President Danny Faure gifted two giant Aldabra tortoises to Hyderabad Zoo, symbolising the close friendship between the two nations.
The annual Seychelles-India Day celebrations have become a major cultural event, featuring cricket tournaments, chess championships, Indian classical performances, food festivals and exhibitions showcasing India’s artistic traditions.
Earlier this year, as part of India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations, an Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)-sponsored Bhangra troupe performed in Seychelles, while an exhibition promoting the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative and an “India Corner” highlighted India’s rich textile heritage.
Youth exchanges have also strengthened people-to-people ties, with Seychellois students regularly participating in India’s National Cadet Corps Youth Exchange Programme and the Surajkund International Crafts Mela in Haryana.
Development partnership driving growth
Beyond cultural relations, India has emerged as one of Seychelles’ most trusted development partners through grants, concessional credit and capacity-building initiatives.
Under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, more than one per cent of Seychelles’ population has received professional training in India, creating one of the highest concentrations of ITEC alumni anywhere in the world.
India established an IT Centre for Excellence in Victoria in 2011 to strengthen digital skills and technological capacity.
Over the years, New Delhi has extended significant Lines of Credit and grant assistance supporting infrastructure, healthcare, education and public transport.
These initiatives include:
* Supply of 131 buses for Seychelles Public Transport Corporation under concessional financing.
* Donation of ambulances, police vehicles and defence utility vehicles.
* Restoration of Coastal Radar Stations across the island nation.
* ICT infrastructure for the University of Seychelles.
* Construction of the Magistrates’ Court Building through Indian grant assistance.
* Implementation of rooftop and ground-mounted solar power projects under India’s renewable energy cooperation.
India has also completed 28 High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) across Seychelles, with a second phase currently under implementation.
Healthcare and humanitarian support
India has consistently supported Seychelles during times of need.
Seychelles was among the first countries to receive Covishield vaccines under India’s Vaccine Maitri initiative in January 2021.
India has also supplied essential medicines, including 3.5 tonnes of medical supplies in 2025, and remains a preferred destination for Seychellois seeking specialised medical treatment.
Food security cooperation has also expanded, with India supplying 200 tonnes of non-basmati rice to Seychelles under a special export waiver.
Partnership for the future
The growing collaboration reflects the comprehensive nature of India-Seychelles ties, extending beyond diplomacy into education, healthcare, renewable energy, capacity building and community development.
As PM Modi visits Seychelles for the first time since 2015, the longstanding cultural affinity, active Indian diaspora and extensive development cooperation are expected to provide a strong foundation for further strengthening bilateral relations and advancing shared priorities in the Indian Ocean region.
