India and Seychelles have taken a significant step towards strengthening their long-standing bilateral partnership by signing nine key agreements across diverse sectors during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three-day state visit to the island nation. The agreements aim to deepen cooperation in healthcare, digital payments, security, infrastructure, agriculture, maritime affairs, and space, while reinforcing the strategic relationship between the two countries as they mark 50 years of diplomatic ties.
The agreements were finalised following delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Seychelles President Patrick Herminie in Victoria. Both leaders reviewed the progress of ongoing development projects and discussed expanding collaboration in areas such as digital transformation, renewable energy, education, maritime security, and sustainable development. They also exchanged views on regional challenges in the Indian Ocean, including piracy, illegal fishing, and drug trafficking.
Among the most notable outcomes of the visit was the agreement to introduce India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Seychelles. The rollout is expected to promote seamless digital transactions, strengthen financial connectivity, and support tourism and business exchanges between the two countries. Another significant agreement focuses on healthcare cooperation, including support for the development of a new national hospital and the supply of affordable medicines, reflecting India’s continued commitment to strengthening Seychelles’ public health infrastructure.
The two countries also signed an extradition treaty to enhance legal cooperation and facilitate the transfer of fugitives involved in transnational crimes. Additional agreements cover capacity building, agricultural research, maritime cooperation, peaceful uses of outer space, recognition of Indian seafarers’ certifications, and an umbrella Line of Credit to finance priority infrastructure and development projects in Seychelles. India announced a Line of Credit worth ₹1,250 crore to support the country’s long-term development goals.
Beyond the formal agreements, India announced several development initiatives aimed at supporting Seychelles’ economic and social progress. These include the gifting of a Fast Patrol Vessel to strengthen maritime security, six ambulances for healthcare services, 500 metric tonnes of rice, and 8,500 metric tonnes of cement for infrastructure development. India also handed over utility vehicles and boats to the Seychelles Defence Force, completed the refit of a Coast Guard vessel, and announced the modernisation of a Dornier aircraft used for maritime surveillance.
The visit also featured symbolic milestones reflecting the close relationship between the two nations. Prime Minister Modi and President Herminie jointly unveiled a commemorative logo celebrating five decades of diplomatic relations. Seychelles also announced its decision to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), further expanding cooperation in climate resilience and disaster preparedness. During the visit, Prime Minister Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the National Assembly of Seychelles, highlighting the shared democratic values, historical ties, and growing strategic partnership between the two countries.
The outcomes of the visit underscore India’s continued engagement with the Indian Ocean region through partnerships focused on development, connectivity, security, and capacity building. By expanding cooperation in digital technology, healthcare, infrastructure, and maritime security, India and Seychelles have reaffirmed their commitment to building a stronger and more comprehensive bilateral relationship that supports sustainable growth and regional stability.
