India has taken a new height to economic and diplomatic relations with Seychelles, its strategic partner country in the Indian Ocean region. Development partnership was kept at the center of bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Seychelles President Dr. Patrick Herminy in New Delhi on Monday. During this, both the leaders adopted the ‘Seychelle’ vision, whose objective is to promote stability, economic development and security. India has also announced a special economic package to meet the development needs of Seychelles, which will strengthen its infrastructure and public housing sector. The Seychelles Vision and Special Economic Package was the most important document of this high level meeting. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, under this vision, India has announced a special economic package for Seychelles. This fund will be mainly spent in areas like public housing, mobility, infrastructure, capacity building and maritime security. Prime Minister Modi and President Harmini emphasized that this partnership is not limited to bilateral relations only, but also reflects India’s commitment towards the Global South.
Agreements from blue economy to digital infrastructure
During this meeting held at Hyderabad House, both the countries exchanged many important MoUs. These include areas like health, digital cooperation, meteorology, culture, ocean science, food security and governance. Both the leaders have also agreed to increase cooperation in sectors important for the future like blue economy and renewable energy. Tourism and marine resources are very important for the economy of Seychelles, hence India’s cooperation will help in diversifying the economy there.
Vision ‘SAGAR’ and strategic importance
In the meeting, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri were also present. Seychelles is an important pillar of India’s ‘Vision Sagar’ in the Indian Ocean region. After the meeting with President Harmini, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar said that as a maritime neighbour, Seychelles’ support is extremely valuable to the economic prosperity and security of the region. The discussion on maritime security is an indication that India wants to further strengthen its strategic hold in the Indian Ocean.
Discussion on investment in Mumbai and Chennai
This visit of President Harmini has not only been diplomatic but also completely business centric. Before reaching Delhi, he spent time in Chennai and Mumbai, where he met with key stakeholders related to governance, industry and coastal management. This is his first visit to India after assuming office in October last year, which will last for five days. He was given a formal welcome upon reaching Delhi on Sunday and on Monday he went to Rajghat and also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.
