Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a three-day visit to Seychelles as India looks to strengthen ties with the strategically important island nation in the Indian Ocean Region. The visit comes amid rising geopolitical competition and growing concerns around maritime security.
The trip also coincides with Seychelles’ 50th Independence Day celebrations and marks five decades of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Modi is attending the National Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour and is expected to deepen cooperation in defence, infrastructure, trade, and digital development.
Strategic Importance of Seychelles for India
Seychelles occupies a key position in the Western Indian Ocean near major global shipping routes. The island nation consists of 115 islands and has a population of around 1.3 lakh.
For India, Seychelles is an important partner under its MAHASAGAR vision — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. The policy focuses on maritime cooperation, climate resilience, sustainable development, and regional security.
India sees Seychelles as a crucial ally for maintaining stability in the Indian Ocean, especially as concerns over piracy, illegal fishing, and maritime trafficking continue to grow.
Maritime Security and Regional Stability
Recent tensions in West Asia and disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz highlighted the vulnerability of global shipping routes and supply chains.
Seychelles, which relies heavily on imports, faced shortages of food, fuel, and other essentials during the crisis. India responded by sending 250 MT of food grains, cement, and essential supplies shortly after Seychelles President Patrick Herminie visited India in February 2026.
The assistance strengthened India’s image as a reliable regional partner.
India has also been helping Seychelles improve maritime surveillance and coastal security through defence cooperation and technical support.
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India and China’s Competition in the Indian Ocean
India’s engagement with Seychelles is also influenced by China’s expanding presence across the Indian Ocean Region.
China has increased investments in island nations and East African countries through infrastructure projects, loans, port development, and defence partnerships.
New Delhi considers Seychelles strategically important in maintaining regional balance and countering growing Chinese influence in the maritime region.
Strengthening relations with Seychelles supports India’s broader Indian Ocean strategy and enhances its geopolitical position.
Major Agreements and Development Projects
During President Patrick Herminie’s India visit, New Delhi announced a Special Economic Package worth $175 million for Seychelles.
The package includes:
| Component | Amount |
| Line of Credit | $125 million |
| Grant Assistance | $50 million |
This is India’s largest financial commitment to Seychelles so far.
Several major projects are expected to move forward during Modi’s visit, including:
- Construction of 1,000 social housing units
- Deployment of 250 electric buses
- Charging infrastructure development
- Vocational training centres
- Digital public infrastructure initiatives
India and Seychelles are also discussing the adoption of India’s UPI digital payment system and the Jan Aushadhi healthcare model.
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Defence Cooperation Expands
Defence ties remain a central pillar of the India-Seychelles partnership.
India has already provided Seychelles with:
- Two Dornier aircraft
- Patrol boats
- Defence personnel support
A Fast Patrol Vessel will also be handed over to the Seychelles Coast Guard during the visit.
The two countries regularly conduct Exercise LAMITYE, and the 11th edition held in March 2026 was upgraded to a tri-service exercise for the first time.
India has additionally committed support in areas such as:
- Maritime surveillance
- Hydrography mapping
- Military training
SESEL Framework and Regional Cooperation
India and Seychelles recently adopted the Joint Vision SESEL framework — Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages.
The framework focuses on:
- Renewable energy
- Blue economy
- Healthcare
- Maritime cooperation
- Digital governance
Several projects under the framework are expected to be e-inaugurated on June 28 in the presence of Prime Minister Modi.
Seychelles has also become a full member of the Colombo Security Conclave, strengthening regional maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean.
Its membership allows participation in multilateral exercises such as MILAN and PRAGATI.
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Economic and Diaspora Importance
Seychelles also holds economic importance for India due to its strategic location near Eastern Africa and major sea routes.
Around 12 per cent of Seychelles’ population consists of Indian nationals or people of Indian origin, making diaspora ties another important aspect of bilateral relations.
India has continued investing in community development, infrastructure, and people-centric projects to strengthen goodwill among the Seychellois population.
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