Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said India envisions an Indian Ocean where maritime security goes hand in hand with economic prosperity, with partnerships built on mutual respect and trust rather than size.
Addressing a joint press statement with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie following bilateral and delegation-level talks in Victoria, the Prime Minister said India’s vision is to transform the Indian Ocean into an “Ocean of Opportunity.”
“We believe the Indian Ocean is our shared home; its security, sustainability and prosperity are our shared responsibility. This sentiment forms the foundation of our MAHASAGAR vision,” PM Modi said.
He added, “The message of my Seychelles visit is clear: India envisions an Indian Ocean where maritime security is ensured alongside economic prosperity; where our partnership is not based on size, but on mutual respect and trust; and where we do not go country-to-country, but move forward together. Our vision is to make the Indian Ocean an Ocean of Opportunity.”
The Prime Minister said the Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL), adopted during President Herminie’s State Visit to India in February this year, has laid the roadmap for future cooperation between the two countries.
“The joint vision issued during the President’s visit to India has laid the blueprint for our future partnership. Building upon this, our cooperation across all sectors is strengthening,” he said.
PM Modi said India and Seychelles discussed ways to make bilateral economic cooperation more resilient and future-ready by exploring new opportunities for industries in both countries.
He also emphasised the importance of improving connectivity between the two nations, saying stronger links would boost trade while enhancing engagement with East Africa and the wider Indian Ocean region.
“Efforts will also be made to enhance connectivity between India and Seychelles. This will not only boost our trade but also strengthen ties with East Africa and the Indian Ocean region,” he said.
Highlighting digital cooperation as a key pillar of the partnership, the Prime Minister said India would share its experience in Digital Public Infrastructure with Seychelles.
“We believe digital technology is an effective means to bridge the distance between our two countries. We will share India’s successful experiences in digital public infrastructure with Seychelles, and I am pleased that an MoU is being signed today to implement UPI in Seychelles,” PM Modi said.
During the visit, India and Seychelles exchanged several Memorandums of Understanding covering healthcare, agriculture, digital technology, the economy and other sectors, further expanding bilateral cooperation.
The Prime Minister is on a three-day State Visit to Seychelles from June 27 to 29, during which he is participating as the Guest of Honour at the country’s Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations, marking 50 years of Independence.
-ANI
