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The Prime Minister of India paid a State Visit to Seychelles as the Guest of Honour for the country's 50th National Day (Golden Jubilee of Independence) celebrations. The visit also marked 50 years of India–Seychelles diplomatic relations, during which both countries unveiled a commemorative logo celebrating five decades of bilateral ties.

Key Outcomes of the Visit

India and Seychelles signed several agreements covering digital payments, healthcare, defence, maritime cooperation, space, agriculture and capacity building, reflecting the growing strategic partnership between the two countries.

A major outcome was the agreement between NPCI International Payments Ltd. (NIPL) and the Central Bank of Seychelles to introduce the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Seychelles, promoting digital payments and financial inclusion. India also announced an umbrella Line of Credit worth ?1,250 crore in Indian Rupees to finance priority development projects.

In the health sector, agreements were signed to introduce the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana model in Seychelles through affordable generic medicines and to cooperate in developing a new Seychelles National Hospital.

The two countries also concluded an Extradition Treaty to strengthen cooperation against transnational crimes, including drug trafficking and financial fraud. An agreement on mutual recognition of seafarer certification will enable Indian seafarers to serve on Seychelles-flagged vessels.

Cooperation was further expanded through agreements on peaceful uses of outer space, agricultural research (2026–2031) between ICAR and Seychelles, and diplomatic training through collaboration between the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS) and Seychelles' Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

India also handed over the Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) PS LESPWAR, built by Goa Shipyard Limited, along with ambulances, utility vehicles and laser radial boats to strengthen Seychelles' maritime security and disaster response capabilities.

Strategic Importance of Seychelles for India

Seychelles occupies a strategically significant position in the Western Indian Ocean, close to major Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs) and maritime chokepoints. It plays an important role in India's maritime security, Blue Economy initiatives and Indo-Pacific strategy. The country is integrated into India's Coastal Surveillance Radar System (CSRS) network, with data linked to the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), enhancing maritime domain awareness. Seychelles also serves as a gateway for India's engagement with East Africa, the African Union (AU) and the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC).

Significance

The visit operationalises India's MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision by combining traditional development cooperation with digital, healthcare and maritime partnerships. It also reinforces India's role as a trusted development partner in the Indian Ocean Region while supporting regional stability, connectivity and sustainable development.