India and Seychelles unveil ‘SESEL’ Vision, India announces $175 million package during Herminie visit

NEW DELHI. India and Seychelles on February 9 unveiled an ambitious new roadmap for cooperation across security, development and sustainability, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie in New Delhi.

President Herminie, who was on a State Visit to India from February 5 to 10 at Modi’s invitation, held comprehensive discussions with the Prime Minister on February 9, covering defence, maritime security, climate action, trade, digital transformation and capacity building. The visit assumes added significance as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of Seychelles’ independence and five decades of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Congratulating Herminie on his election victory in October 2025, Modi reaffirmed that India and Seychelles share a “special and time-tested” partnership rooted in history, shared democratic values and close people-to-people links. Both leaders underscored Seychelles’ importance in India’s maritime vision of MAHASAGAR – Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions – and emphasised their shared commitment to ensuring security and stability in the Western Indian Ocean Region.

$175-million Special Economic Package

A key outcome of the talks was India’s announcement of a $175-million ‘Special Economic Package’ for Seychelles. The package includes $125 million in rupee-denominated line of credit and $50 million in grant assistance to support development projects, capacity building, maritime security and defence cooperation.

Herminie described India as a trusted development partner and expressed gratitude for its continued assistance through lines of credit, grants and high-impact community projects. Modi reiterated India’s commitment to supporting Seychelles’ priorities in sustainability, inclusive growth, resilience and defence preparedness.

The two leaders also launched a Joint Vision titled ‘Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL)’, aimed at deepening collaboration across strategic sectors.

Focus on health, food security and digital governance

India announced support for Seychelles’ healthcare sector, including the donation of 10 fully equipped ambulances. The two sides agreed to collaborate on building a new hospital, expanding public health cooperation and facilitating the recruitment of Indian medical professionals.

Seychelles’ recognition of the Indian pharmacopoeia is expected to streamline procurement of affordable, quality-assured medicines, including through India’s Jan Aushadhi initiative. India also donated 1,000 metric tonnes of food grains to help address Seychelles’ cost-of-living concerns and strengthen food security.

On digital cooperation, India agreed to assist Seychelles in developing digital public infrastructure, including digital payments systems, drawing on its own experience in rapid digital transformation.

Maritime security and defence cooperation

Maritime security emerged as a central pillar of the discussions. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a free, open and rules-based Indian Ocean Region, and to countering threats such as piracy, narcotics trafficking, illegal fishing and transnational crime.

India pledged continued assistance in maritime surveillance, hydrographic surveys and capacity building for the Seychelles defence forces. Seychelles will establish a dedicated hydrographic unit with Indian support, and the two countries plan to hold the third Joint Commission Meeting on Hydrography in Seychelles in early 2026.

President Herminie also appreciated India’s support in refitting the patrol vessel PS Zoroaster and for donating utility vehicles and laser radial boats to enhance logistical capabilities.

Climate action, renewable energy and regional engagement

Recognising Seychelles’ vulnerability as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in renewable energy, grid management and green mobility. India will extend technical assistance for Seychelles’ transition to sustainable public transport and support the implementation of multi-hazard early warning systems.

Seychelles also agreed to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), while India welcomed its decision to become a full member of the Colombo Security Conclave.

Herminie reiterated Seychelles’ support for India’s bid for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.

Expanding trade and connectivity

The leaders emphasised the need to unlock the full potential of bilateral trade and investment, particularly in sectors such as affordable housing, digital technology, financial services, the blue economy, fisheries and tourism. Both sides noted that direct flight connectivity has boosted Indian tourist arrivals, strengthening Seychelles’ tourism resilience, and agreed to explore further expansion of air links.

Concluding the visit, the two leaders expressed confidence that the agreements reached would elevate bilateral ties and deliver tangible benefits to their peoples.