PM MODI’S STATE VISIT TO SEYCHELLES

Why in News?

• The Prime Minister of India undertook a State Visit to Seychelles as the Guest of Honour for its 50th National Day (Golden Jubilee of Independence)
• The visit also marked 50 years of India–Seychelles diplomatic relations, during which both countries unveiled a commemorative logo celebrating five decades of partnership.

KEY OUTCOMES OF THE PM’s VISIT Deployment of UPI

• An MoU was signed between NPCI International Payments Limited and the Central Bank of Seychelles.
• It will facilitate the rollout of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Seychelles.
• The initiative will strengthen digital payments and promote financial inclusion.

Umbrella Line of Credit

• India extended an umbrella line of credit worth ₹1,250 crore.
• The credit will support priority developmental projects in Seychelles.

Janaushadhi Cooperation

• An agreement between HLL Lifecare Limited and Seychelles' Ministry of Health will facilitate the supply of affordable generic medicines.
• It integrates Seychelles with India's Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana

National Hospital Development

• Both countries signed a framework MoU for developing a modern National Hospital in Seychelles.

Extradition Treaty

• A new extradition treaty was signed.
• It aims to strengthen cooperation against:
  • Drug trafficking.
  • Financial crimes.
  • Other transnational offences.

Maritime Mobility

• An MoU was signed for mutual recognition of training and certification of Indian seafarers.
• This will allow Indian seafarers to work on Seychelles-flagged vessels.

Diplomatic Capacity Building

• Institutional cooperation was established between:
  • Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service
  • Seychelles Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora.
• The partnership will support training and diplomatic capacity building.

Space Cooperation

• Both countries signed an MoU on peaceful uses of outer space.
• Areas of cooperation include:
  • Satellite applications.
  • Remote sensing.
  • Climate monitoring.
  • Disaster management.

Agricultural Research Work Plan (2026–2031)

• An MoU was signed between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the Seychelles Agriculture Department.
• It focuses on:
  • Agricultural research.
  • Technical cooperation.
  • Food security initiatives.

Defence and Maritime Cooperation

• India handed over PS LESPWAR, a Made-in-India Fast Patrol Vessel built by Goa Shipyard Limited, to the Seychelles Coast Guard.
• India also gifted:
  • Utility vehicles.
  • Laser radial boats.
• These measures will strengthen maritime surveillance and disaster response capabilities

GUARDIAN OF THE BLUE HORIZON AWARD

• The President of Seychelles conferred the country's highest Presidential Distinction, "Guardian of the Blue Horizon", upon the Prime Minister of India.
• The award recognizes contributions towards:
  • Climate action.
  • Blue Economy.
  • Sustainable ocean governance.
  • Development of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

VISION MAHASAGAR

About :

• MAHASAGAR stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
• It represents India's comprehensive approach to cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Significance

• Promotes maritime security.
• Strengthens development partnerships.
• Encourages digital and health diplomacy.
• Enhances regional connectivity and resilience.

WHY IS SEYCHELLES STRATEGICALLY IMPORTANT FOR INDIA?

• Seychelles is located near critical Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs).
• It lies close to important maritime chokepoints such as:
  • Mozambique Channel
  • Bab-el-Mandeb
  • Cape of Good Hope.

Countering China's Influence

• Strong ties with Seychelles help India maintain strategic balance in the Western Indian Ocean.
• Supports India's efforts to counter China's growing maritime footprint.

Maritime Security Cooperation

• Seychelles is linked to India's:
  • Coastal Surveillance Radar Network (CSRN).
  • Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region.

This improves Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA). Blue Economy Cooperation

• Seychelles possesses an EEZ of approximately 3 million sq km.
• It is an important partner for sustainable ocean resource management.

Gateway to Africa

• Seychelles is a member of:
  • African Union
  • Indian Ocean Commission
• It serves as a bridge for India's engagement with East Africa.

BILATERAL RELATIONS BETWEEN SEYCHELLES & INDIA

Diplomatic Relations

• India established diplomatic relations with Seychelles in 1976 following its independence.
• INS Nilgiri participated in Seychelles' Independence Day celebrations in 1976.

Defence Cooperation

• India has installed six Coastal Surveillance Radar Systems in Seychelles.
• Both countries conduct the joint military exercise Exercise LAMITYE.
• Seychelles also participates in MILAN Naval Exercise.

Trade and Investment

• Bilateral trade stood at approximately USD 73 million in 2024–25.
• Major Indian exports include:
  • Rice
  • Pharmaceuticals.
  • Medical instruments.
  • Vehicles.

Human Resource Development

• More than 1% of the Seychellois population are alumni of India's ITEC Programme. (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme)

Climate and Energy Cooperation

• Seychelles is a founding member of the International Solar Alliance.
• Both countries cooperate extensively on renewable energy initiatives.

Diaspora Links

• Seychelles hosts:
  • Around 5,000 Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs).
  • Around 7,000 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).
• The Indian community plays an important role in the country's economy and society.

CHALLENGES

Geopolitical Competition

• China's growing economic and strategic presence presents challenges for India's regional interests.

Maritime Security Constraints

• Seychelles faces difficulties in monitoring its vast EEZ.
• Threats include:
  • Illegal fishing.
  • Drug trafficking.

Limited Economic Engagement

• Trade remains modest due to:
  • Small market size.
  • Connectivity constraints.
  • Delays in project implementation.

Institutional Capacity Constraints

• Limited administrative and technical manpower can slow project execution.

Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

• External disruptions affect food, fuel, and construction material supplies.

WAY FORWARD

Enhance Maritime Domain Awareness

• Strengthen intelligence sharing through IFC-IOR.
• Improve monitoring against piracy and illegal fishing.

Promote Scientific Diplomacy

• Link India's Deep Ocean Mission and marine research institutions with Seychelles.
• Expand cooperation in marine biotechnology and ocean sciences.

Climate Finance Innovation

• Support Seychelles in developing Blue Carbon Credit frameworks.
• Facilitate access to climate finance mechanisms.

Energy and Climate Mapping

• Utilize ISRO's satellite capabilities for:
  • Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) assessments.
  • Coral reef monitoring.
  • Marine heatwave forecasting.

Deepen Development Partnership

• Expand cooperation in healthcare, digital technology, capacity building, and sustainable development.