Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday unveiled India's vision to transform the Indian Ocean into an 'ocean of opportunity' where maritime security and economic prosperity go hand in hand. Addressing a joint press interaction with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie after wide-ranging talks in Victoria, Modi emphasized that "Our vision is to make the Indian Ocean an ocean of opportunity." He stated that "We believe the Indian Ocean is our shared home. Its security, sustainability and prosperity are our shared responsibility." This vision forms the core of India's MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision, with Modi adding that "We believe the defence and security of India and Seychelles are integral to each other."
During his three-day state visit to Seychelles from June 27 to June 29, Modi was awarded the honorary title 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' in recognition of his support for environmental protection and for advancing the interests of Small Island Developing States. As per Business Standard, the visit is focused on strengthening cooperation and reinforcing a shared vision for a more inclusive global order and stronger representation of the Global South. Modi received the ceremonial welcome at the State House and was conferred this distinction, which is the first time this award has been conferred, in recognition of his leadership on sustainability, the Blue Economy, climate action and ocean governance.
India and Seychelles on Sunday unveiled nine agreements and initiatives to broaden cooperation across multiple sectors, according to reports from PTI citing the Ministry of External Affairs. The agreements were signed following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Seychelles President Patrick Herminie in Victoria, the capital of the Indian Ocean archipelago. The comprehensive partnership covers defence, maritime security, digital payments, space, healthcare, agriculture and education sectors, with New Delhi emphasising its role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region. The agreements signed during Modi's visit coincide with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries and Seychelles' Golden Jubilee of Independence, with Modi serving as the Guest of Honour at National Day celebrations on Monday.
The agreement highlights India's expanding partnership with the strategically located Indian Ocean archipelago, as reported by PTI. The cooperation emphasizes strengthening security ties, improving connectivity and advancing development and capacity-building initiatives. The partnership encompasses both defence and maritime security aspects, alongside economic and development-focused sectors including digital payments and healthcare. President Herminie said maritime security in the Indian Ocean region remained central to bilateral ties, with both sides pleased to pursue discussions on a special economic package of $175 million. Herminie also reaffirmed that both countries would reaffirm their commitment to combating piracy, drug trafficking, illegal fishing and other forms of transnational crime.
The partnership includes a significant umbrella Line of Credit agreement worth ₹1,250 crore between the Government of Seychelles and the Export-Import Bank of India to finance development projects, as reported by PTI. This represents a substantial increase from the previously reported $175 million special economic package. The agreements also include an agreement between NPCI International Payments Ltd. and the Central Bank of Seychelles to strengthen digital payments infrastructure and advance UPI-based digital payments in the archipelagic nation. India, as "a trusted food security partner of Seychelles," handed over 500 metric tonnes of rice and 8,500 metric tonnes of cement to the Seychelles government. Modi emphasized that "We will continue to explore new opportunities for the industries of both our countries. Work will also be done to enhance connectivity between India and Seychelles," and added that "India would share its successful experience in digital public infrastructure with the island nation."
The agreements specifically focus on defence and maritime security cooperation, as detailed in the Ministry of External Affairs statement reported by PTI. This sector forms a key component of the expanded bilateral partnership, addressing security challenges in the Indian Ocean region. On Sunday, India gifted an indigenously manufactured fast patrol vessel, 10 utility vehicles and five Laser Radial-class boats to the Seychelles Defence Force. The two sides announced the completion of the refit of PS Zoroaster for the Seychelles Coast Guard and the upgrade of a Dornier aircraft with a glass cockpit. Modi emphasised that "it is our firm belief that the defence and security of India and Seychelles are inextricably linked" and that India envisions an Indian Ocean where economic prosperity flourishes alongside maritime security.
The latest outcomes include an extradition treaty, agreements on cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space, an agreement to advance UPI-based digital payments in Seychelles, an umbrella line of credit agreement with the Export-Import Bank of India, and an agreement for preliminary preparations for a new Seychelles National Hospital. The virtual ground-breaking ceremony for a Professional and Technical Education Centre also took place. An agreement between HLL Lifecare Ltd. and Seychelles' health ministry under the Jan Aushadhi scheme aims to facilitate access to good quality and affordable Indian medicines, while another memorandum of understanding provides for preliminary preparations for the new Seychelles National Hospital. The two sides also concluded agreements on diplomatic training between the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service and Seychelles' Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, agriculture research and education, recognition of training and certification of seafarers serving on Seychelles-flagged vessels, and cooperation in the exploration and peaceful uses of outer space. Modi received the ceremonial welcome at the State House and was conferred Seychelles' highest honour for a foreign dignitary, the Special Presidential Distinction 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon,' in recognition of his leadership on sustainability, the Blue Economy, climate action and ocean governance.
