New Delhi: India and Seychelles have agreed to significantly expand cooperation in people-centric development, maritime security, health and climate action, with India announcing a $175 million ‘Special Economic Package’ following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Seychelles President Patrick Herminie on Monday.
The agreements, announced on Monday, were reached during Herminie’s state visit to India from February 5 to 10, his first overseas visit since assuming office after elections in October 2025. The visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of Seychelles’ independence and five decades of diplomatic relations between the two Indian Ocean nations.
India said the financial package would include $125 million in a rupee-denominated line of credit and $50 million in grants, to be used for development projects, capacity building and maritime security cooperation in Seychelles.
The two leaders also announced a joint vision for sustainability, economic growth and security, aimed at strengthening long-term engagement between the two countries, which share close maritime ties in the western Indian Ocean.
Modi congratulated Herminie on his election victory and described Seychelles as a key partner in India’s MAHASAGAR vision for security and growth in the Indian Ocean region, according to an official statement. Herminie, in turn, described India as a trusted and reliable partner and thanked New Delhi for its longstanding support for Seychelles’ development and security needs.
Digital Governance
During the talks, both sides agreed to expand cooperation in digital governance, with India offering support for the development of digital public infrastructure, including digital payments and e-governance systems tailored to Seychelles’ requirements.
Health cooperation featured prominently, with India announcing the donation of 10 advanced ambulances to strengthen emergency medical services in Seychelles. New Delhi also said it would support the construction of a new hospital and expand cooperation in public health, mental health training and the deployment of medical professionals.
The two countries agreed to work towards recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia by Seychelles, a move aimed at facilitating access to affordable, quality-assured medicines. India also announced a donation of 1,000 metric tonnes of food grains to help strengthen food security and ease cost-of-living pressures in the island nation.
Both sides agreed to expand capacity-building programmes, including training for civil servants, defence personnel and health professionals, through India’s technical and economic cooperation initiatives.
Maritime Security
Maritime security and defence cooperation were a key focus of the discussions. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open and secure Indian Ocean region, and agreed to enhance cooperation in joint maritime surveillance, hydrographic surveys, information sharing and training.
India said it would continue to support the Seychelles Defence Forces through the provision of naval and air assets, transport vehicles and customised training. The two countries also agreed to strengthen cooperation in hydrography, including the establishment of a Seychelles Hydrographic Unit with Indian assistance.
On climate and energy, India pledged support for renewable energy projects in Seychelles, including solar initiatives, power grid management and the implementation of multi-hazard early warning systems. Seychelles also agreed to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, an India-led initiative.
The leaders discussed expanding trade, investment and air connectivity, and noted an increase in Indian tourist arrivals to Seychelles following the introduction of direct flights. Herminie encouraged Indian companies to explore investment opportunities in sectors such as tourism, digital technology, financial services, fisheries and the blue economy.
At the regional and multilateral level, Modi welcomed Seychelles’ decision to become a full member of the Colombo Security Conclave, a regional security grouping. Herminie reiterated Seychelles’ support for India’s bid for permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council, the statement said.
Herminie thanked Modi for the hospitality extended during the visit and invited him to visit Seychelles at a mutually convenient time.