India and Seychelles Deepen Strategic Partnership with New Vision, Major Economic Package, and Security Cooperation
India and Seychelles took a significant step forward in their bilateral relationship on Monday by adopting a Joint Vision for Sustainable Development, Economic Growth, and Security, known as SESEL. Alongside this shared roadmap, the two countries announced and signed a series of key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements covering a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, maritime cooperation, digital transformation, capacity building, and cultural exchange.
These agreements were finalized during the official visit of Seychelles President Patrick Herminie to India, undertaken at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
India Announces $175 Million Special Economic Package for Seychelles
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that Prime Minister Modi has announced a special economic assistance package worth USD 175 million for Seychelles. This package includes:
- USD 125 million as a Line of Credit (LoC) denominated in Indian rupees
- USD 50 million as grant assistance
The MEA shared detailed briefings on the outcomes of President Herminie’s visit, highlighting that while the overall size and structure of the package have been finalized, the specific projects to be funded are still under discussion.
When asked about the exact allocation of funds and whether the maritime security MoU would include joint patrolling or intelligence sharing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified that the focus so far has been on deciding the scale and framework of the assistance.
Project Details to Be Finalized Through Further Consultations
Misri explained that while Seychelles’ leadership has shared several ideas regarding potential projects, more consultations are required before final decisions are taken. In the coming days, India’s High Commission and Ambassador in Seychelles will continue discussions with local authorities to finalize the project list.
He noted that based on existing cooperation, the economic package could be utilized across multiple priority sectors, including:
- Maritime security
- Healthcare
- Education
- Solar energy
- Infrastructure development
Once these discussions are concluded, the package will be formally operationalized.
Focus on Development and Maritime Security
According to the MEA, the assistance package is designed to support Seychelles’ developmental needs in critical areas such as:
- Public housing
- Transport and connectivity
- Core infrastructure
- Capacity building and training
- Maritime security
Foreign Secretary Misri added that President Patrick Herminie is on a state visit to India until February 10 and emphasized Seychelles’ importance within Prime Minister Modi’s broader ocean vision.
A Trusted Maritime Partnership in the Indian Ocean
India and Seychelles share a long-standing and multifaceted partnership, particularly as maritime neighbors in the Indian Ocean. Misri highlighted that India has consistently contributed to Seychelles’ development through a mix of small and large-scale development projects, along with training and capacity-building initiatives.
As coastal nations, both countries face common challenges such as:
- Piracy
- Drug trafficking
- Arms smuggling
- Human trafficking
This shared security environment has made maritime cooperation a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship.
Looking Ahead
With the adoption of the SESEL joint vision, the signing of multiple agreements, and the announcement of a substantial economic assistance package, India and Seychelles have clearly signaled their intent to deepen strategic trust and practical cooperation. As project details take shape in the coming weeks, the partnership is expected to play a larger role in promoting stability, development, and security across the Indian Ocean region.