{"id":87036,"date":"2026-02-10T11:27:49","date_gmt":"2026-02-10T05:57:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/?p=87036"},"modified":"2026-02-10T11:27:49","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T05:57:49","slug":"india-seychelles-relations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/india-seychelles-relations\/","title":{"rendered":"India\u2013Seychelles Relations &#8211; Expanding Maritime Partnership to Sustainability and Strategic Cooperation"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>India-Seychelles Relations Latest News<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Indian Prime Minister and Seychelles President (Patrick Herminie) held bilateral talks in <\/span><b>New Delhi<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, marking <\/span><b>50 years<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of diplomatic relations and coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Seychelles\u2019 independence.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The visit\u2014within 100 days of President Herminie\u2019s victory\u2014underscores the strategic weight Seychelles attaches to India amid evolving geopolitics in the Western Indian Ocean Region (WIOR).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The two countries adopted a Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (<\/span><b>SESEL<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) and signed multiple agreements across sectors.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>Strategic and Maritime Cooperation &#8211; The Core Pillar<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Defence and maritime security:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It remains the central pillar of bilateral ties, and collaboration includes &#8211;<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maritime surveillance<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Defence capacity development<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Counter-piracy operations<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Combating international crime and maritime threats<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Protection of critical Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cooperation assumes greater importance given <\/span><b>rising piracy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and economic offences in the strategic Indian Ocean Region (IOR), and growing geopolitical contestation in the region.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Colombo Security Conclave (CSC):<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seychelles was welcomed as a full member of the CSC.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Originally formed in 2011 by India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives; CSC later expanded to include Mauritius and Bangladesh.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The inclusion of Seychelles strengthens regional efforts towards &#8211;<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maritime domain awareness<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regional stability<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cooperative security architecture in the IOR<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This aligns with India\u2019s broader <\/span><b>SAGAR <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">doctrine and Vision <\/span><b>MAHASAGAR <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>Joint Vision (SESEL) &#8211; Broadening the Partnership<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The adopted Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL) expands cooperation beyond security into sustainable development.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Key areas of cooperation:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Marine research and ocean governance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Ocean observation, maritime scientific research, data-sharing mechanisms.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Climate action and renewable energy: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cooperation in renewable energy solutions, climate resilience initiatives for small island developing states (SIDS).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Health cooperation: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pharmacopoeial collaboration, strengthening healthcare systems.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Digital transformation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Support in digital governance and capacity-building, enhancing e-governance frameworks.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Meteorological cooperation: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Technical and scientific collaboration between meteorological authorities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Capacity-building: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Training programmes for Seychelles civil servants, institutional strengthening initiatives.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Cultural and people-to-people ties: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cultural Exchange Programme (2026\u20132030); tourism cooperation, with India emerging as a growing market.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>Economic and Developmental Assistance<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Special economic package: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India announced a $175 million Special Economic Package, comprising $125 million Line of Credit (rupee-denominated) &#8211; remaining amount as grant assistance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>The package will support:\u00a0<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Public housing, infrastructure, mobility, maritime security, and capacity-building.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This reflects India\u2019s model of development partnership without conditionalities, especially for small island nations.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>Geostrategic Significance<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>WIOR<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Critical for global trade and energy flows. Seychelles\u2019 strategic location enhances India\u2019s maritime reach.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Countering extra-regional influence: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strengthening ties helps balance growing external powers\u2019 presence in the IOR. Reinforces India\u2019s role as a net security provider.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Blue economy and SIDS diplomacy:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Seychelles, as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), is central to climate diplomacy, sustainable ocean governance, and blue economy initiatives.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>People-centric diplomacy: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shared democratic values, historical and cultural linkages, and emphasis on inclusive development.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>India-Seychelles Relations<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Overview<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Today, India-Seychelles relations embody close friendship, understanding and cooperation.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diplomatic ties were established with Seychelles after its independence in <\/span><b>1976<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With a significant presence of Indian Diaspora in Seychelles, cultural contacts between the two countries have been primarily <\/span><b>community-driven <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">with support from the two governments.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Key aspects:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Trade<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: India exported goods worth US$ 64.88 million and imported goods worth US$ 8.96 million from Seychelles during 2022-23.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Energy and environment<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A Blue Economy Protocol between India and Seychelles was signed in 2015.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Development assistance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: An important aspect of bilateral cooperation revolves around various development assistance programs extended to Seychelles under ITEC, ICCR and IAFS.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Defence and security<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: India is a key security partner for Seychelles, helping with coastal surveillance, radar systems, and joint exercises like &#8216;<\/span><b>LAMITIYE<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8216;.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>Challenges<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Geopolitical competition in the IOR<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Rising strategic competition may complicate smaller states\u2019 balancing strategies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Climate vulnerability of Island States<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Seychelles faces existential risks from climate change, sea-level rise, and extreme weather events.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Maritime security threats<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Piracy resurgence; drug trafficking; Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Economic dependence on tourism:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Seychelles\u2019 economy remains vulnerable to global shocks.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>Way Forward<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Institutionalising<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) through real-time data-sharing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Deepening<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Blue Economy cooperation, including sustainable fisheries and marine biodiversity protection.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Expanding<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Renewable energy partnerships tailored to SIDS needs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Strengthening<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Multilateral maritime frameworks, particularly through the CSC and IORA.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Enhancing: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digital and governance partnerships for resilient institutions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Leveraging<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: India\u2019s Vision MAHASAGAR and SAGAR doctrine to build a cooperative Indian Ocean architecture.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The India\u2013Seychelles partnership is evolving from a traditional defence relationship into a <\/span><b>multidimensional <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">strategic partnership encompassing sustainability, digital transformation, climate action, and economic growth.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean, their collaboration contributes not only to bilateral development but also to the broader architecture of peace, stability, and inclusive growth in the WIOR.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the emerging geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific, Seychelles remains a key pillar of India\u2019s maritime vision, reinforcing India\u2019s aspiration to be a<\/span><b> credible and responsible <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">security and development partner in the region.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>Source: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/india\/from-maritime-to-digital-india-seychelles-give-ties-a-shot-in-arm-10523432\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><b>IE<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Taking India\u2013Seychelles relations further, the two countries adopted a Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":87044,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[5286,60,22,59],"class_list":{"0":"post-87036","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-upsc-mains-current-affairs","8":"tag-india-seychelles-relations","9":"tag-mains-articles","10":"tag-upsc-current-affairs","11":"tag-upsc-mains-current-affairs","12":"no-featured-image-padding"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/87036","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=87036"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/87036\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":87051,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/87036\/revisions\/87051"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/87044"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=87036"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=87036"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=87036"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}