Why in News?
Recently, Prime Minister of India paid State Visit to Seychelles 0n 27–29 June 2026, during this visit both countries elevated their strategic partnership by signing multiple agreements in areas such as maritime security, healthcare, digital payments, space, agriculture, and development cooperation. The visit also marked 50 years of diplomatic relations and reinforced India's MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Key Outcomes of the Visit:
India and Seychelles agreed to deepen cooperation in healthcare, education, skill development, renewable energy, digital transformation, maritime security, defence, and sustainable development. Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed covering UPI implementation, healthcare, agriculture, banking, EXIM Bank cooperation, shipping, space exploration, extradition, capacity building, and a Line of Credit (LoC). India also announced a USD 175 million Special Economic Package, comprising a USD 125 million Line of Credit and USD 50 million Grant Assistance, to support infrastructure, healthcare, food security, vocational training, maritime security, and defence cooperation.
About MAHASAGAR Vision:
The visit highlighted India's MAHASAGAR vision, which aims to transform the Indian Ocean into an "Ocean of Opportunity." It is based on maritime security, sustainable economic prosperity, mutual respect, and shared responsibility for regional peace and development. Building upon the earlier SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine, MAHASAGAR promotes the Blue Economy, disaster resilience, regional connectivity, and inclusive growth through collaborative partnerships.
Maritime Security Cooperation:
Maritime security remains the cornerstone of India–Seychelles relations. Cooperation focuses on countering piracy, Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, drug trafficking, maritime crime, hydrography, maritime surveillance, and defence capacity building. India strengthened Seychelles' maritime capabilities by refitting PS Zoroaster and gifting the Fast Attack Vessel PS Lespwar to the Seychelles Coast Guard, enhancing maritime domain awareness in the Western Indian Ocean.
Importance of Seychelles for India:
Seychelles occupies a strategic location in the Western Indian Ocean along vital Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs). It is an important partner in India's maritime security architecture, Indo-Pacific strategy, and Blue Economy initiatives. Cooperation with Seychelles helps combat piracy, seaborne terrorism, and illegal fishing while balancing growing geopolitical competition in the region. As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), Seychelles is also a key partner in India's development diplomacy.
About India–Seychelles Relations:
India and Seychelles share a long-standing partnership rooted in historical, cultural, and strategic ties. Indians first settled in Seychelles in the eighteenth century, and the Indian diaspora continues to contribute significantly to its economy. The countries conduct the biennial Exercise LAMITYE since 2001, and India demonstrated its security commitment through Operation Flowers are Blooming (1986) during an attempted coup. During the visit, Seychelles also announced its decision to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), strengthening cooperation in climate resilience.
Conclusion:
The 2026 State Visit reaffirmed India's commitment to a secure, inclusive, and rules-based Indian Ocean Region. By strengthening defence, development, and maritime cooperation under the MAHASAGAR vision, India has reinforced its role as a trusted security and development partner for Seychelles and other island nations in the Indo-Pacific.
