SYLLABUS
GS-2: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Context: India and Seychelles adopted a comprehensive Joint Vision, titled SESEL (Sustainability, Economic Growth, and Security through Enhanced Linkages), during the State Visit of Seychelles President Patrick Herminie to India, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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- The visit coincided with 50 years of Seychelles’ Independence and 50 years of India–Seychelles diplomatic relations.
- SESEL positions Seychelles as a key pillar of India’s MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
Key Highlights of the Visit
- Special Economic Package (USD 175 million): India announced development assistance comprising USD 125 million in rupee-denominated Line of Credit and USD 50 million in grant assistance, aligned with Seychelles’ national priorities.
- The package will support projects in public housing, mobility, vocational training, health, defence, and maritime security.
- Adoption of SESEL Joint Vision: Both countries adopted a long-term vision document to expand cooperation in sustainability, trade, economic growth, and security, providing a strategic framework for the next phase of bilateral engagement.
- Defence and Maritime Security Cooperation: Maritime security and defence were reaffirmed as core pillars of the relationship.
- India is committed to sharing expertise in marine research, maritime surveillance, capacity building, and data-sharing to counter piracy, illegal fishing, and transnational maritime crimes.
- Colombo Security Conclave (CSC): Seychelles was welcomed as a full member of the Colombo Security Conclave, strengthening regional maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean.
- Agreements and MoUs:Seven MoUs were signed covering:
- Pharmacopoeial cooperation in health
- Meteorological collaboration between national authorities
- Digital transformation and Digital Public Infrastructure
- Ocean observation and maritime scientific research
- Capacity-building for Seychellois civil servants
- Cultural Exchange Programme (2026–2030)
- Procurement of food items
- Renewable Energy and Climate Cooperation: Both leaders agreed to expand cooperation in renewable energy, climate resilience and sustainable solutions, reflecting shared concerns of island and coastal states.
- High-Level Symbolism: The President of India received President Herminie at Rashtrapati Bhavan and hosted a State Banquet in his honour. President Herminie invited Prime Minister Modi to attend Seychelles’ 50th Independence Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour.
India–Seychelles Bilateral Relations
