India announces $175 million package for Seychelles

• India announced $175 million as development assistance to Seychelles after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with island nation’s President Patrick Herminie in New Delhi on February 9.

• President Herminie’s State Visit coming around 100 days after his inauguration signals the shared commitment of India and Seychelles to strengthen, expand and deepen our longstanding and multifaceted bilateral partnership. 

• The State Visit coincides with the 50th year of Independence of Seychelles, and the 50th year of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

• PM Modi and President Herminie had comprehensive and productive discussions covering the entire spectrum of bilateral relations.

• The leaders also reaffirmed Seychelles’ role as an important pillar in India's Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).

• Following the meeting, the two sides inked agreements to boost ties in a range of areas including digital solutions, exports and data sharing, and conduct of maritime scientific research.

• India and Seychelles also agreed on a broad vision to expand cooperation in areas of sustainability, trade and economy, and security.

Key announcements/agreements:

• The two leaders announced a joint vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL).

• PM Modi announced a ‘Special Economic Package’ of $175 million to support the developmental needs of Seychelles, especially in the fields of public housing, mobility, infrastructure, capacity building and maritime security.

• MoU between Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission and Ministry of Health of Seychelles on pharmacopoeial cooperation.

• MoU between Indian Meteorological Department and Seychelles Meteorological Authority on technical and scientific collaboration.

• MoU in the field of knowledge sharing of successful digital solutions implemented at population scale for digital transformation.

• MoU on technical cooperation in ocean observation, ocean services, data sharing and the conduct of maritime scientific research.

• Refit of PS Zoroaster for Seychelles Coast Guard by government of India on gratis basis.

• Gifting of 10 ambulances.

• Gifting of 10 utility vehicles and five sets of Laser Radial class boats along with spares to the Seychelles Defence Force.

• Establishment of Seychelles Hydrographic Unit in Seychelles with Indian assistance.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)