- India
- Jun 29
- Sreesha V.M
PM Modi attends National Day celebrations of Seychelles
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Independence of Seychelles as the Guest of Honour on June 28.
• He is the first Indian Prime Minister to attend the Independence Day celebrations in Seychelles.
• PM Modi previously visited Seychelles in 2015.
• The Independence Day celebrations coincided with the marking of 50 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Seychelles.
• Indian armed forces participated in the national parade to commemorate the special occasion.
• The talks covered the full spectrum of bilateral relations, with the leaders agreeing to further strengthen cooperation in health, education, capacity building, digital transformation, sustainable development, social infrastructure, renewable energy, maritime security and defence.
• They also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including challenges in the Indian Ocean region, such as illegal fishing, drug trafficking and piracy.
• Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the progress made in the implementation of projects and initiatives under the Special Economic Package announced by India.
• PM Modi also addressed an Extraordinary Sitting of the National Assembly of Seychelles, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so.
• The visit reaffirms the strong and enduring friendship between India and Seychelles and reinforces the shared commitment of both countries to enhance the bilateral relationship across all sectors.
• India and Seychelles share a longstanding partnership rooted in shared historical, cultural and people to people ties.
• As a key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean region, Seychelles holds a special place in India’s Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
List of Outcomes:
1) MoU between Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora (MoFAD) of Seychelles: It enables institutional cooperation between MoFAD, Seychelles and SSIFS through exchanges, training programmes and capacity building.
2) MoU between National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) International Payments Ltd and Central Bank of Seychelles: The MoU will facilitate the deployment of UPI digital payment infrastructure in Seychelles, and identify avenues for broader collaboration in payments ecosystem.
3) Agreement between HLL Lifecare Limited and the Ministry of Health of Seychelles under the Janaushadhi Scheme: The agreement will facilitate the export of affordable generic medicines and medical supplies from India to Seychelles under the Janaushadhi Scheme.
4) MoU between Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Agriculture Department, Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Blue Economy, Seychelles for Cooperation in agriculture research and education and work plan for 2026-2031: The MoU and the work plan aim to develop, promote and accelerate close collaboration between ICAR and Seychelles Agriculture Department in areas of joint research, training and technical study.
5) Extradition Treaty: The treaty aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation in combating transnational crime and enhancing the legal framework for extradition of fugitives between the two countries.
6) MoU between the Ministry of Transport, Ports and Civil Aviation of Seychelles and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways of India on the recognition of training and certification of seafarers for service on Seychelles-flagged vessels: It facilitates recognition of Indian seafarers’ training and certification for service on Seychelles-flagged vessels.
7) Umbrella Line of Credit Agreement between the government of Seychelles and Export-Import Bank of India: The agreement aims to support implementation of projects under the Special Economic Package, announced during the visit of President Herminie in February 2026, aimed at advancing priority infrastructure and development initiatives in Seychelles.
8) MoU between India and Seychelles on cooperation in the exploration and uses of outer space for peaceful purposes: The MoU is aimed at strengthening collaboration in satellite applications, space technology and capacity building.
9) MoU between India and Seychelles on preliminary preparations for the New Seychelles National Hospital: The MoU establishes a framework for bilateral cooperation for development of the new Seychelles National Hospital.
10) The two sides also announced the gifting of a fast patrol vessel to Seychelles, the handover of 10 utility vehicles and five Laser Radial class boats to the Seychelles Defence Force, the completion of the refit of PS Zoroaster for the Seychelles Coast Guard and the upgradation of a Dornier aircraft with a glass cockpit.
(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)