Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-day visit to Seychelles on Saturday, with India's Vision MAHASAGAR expected to dominate discussions as New Delhi seeks to further strengthen its strategic partnership with the Indian Ocean island nation. During the visit, Modi will hold bilateral talks with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie, focusing on maritime cooperation, regional security, and expanding ties across multiple sectors.
The Prime Minister will also attend the golden jubilee celebrations of Seychelles' National Day, underlining the close diplomatic and historical relationship between the two countries. As part of the celebrations, a contingent of the Indian Armed Forces, along with two Indian Navy warships, will participate in the ceremonial events, highlighting the growing defence partnership.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the visit would reaffirm the enduring friendship between India and Seychelles while reinforcing their shared commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation.
"The visit will reaffirm the strong and enduring friendship between India and Seychelles and reinforce the shared commitment of both countries to strengthening bilateral ties across all sectors," the ministry said.
The MEA described Seychelles as one of India's most important maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), noting that the island nation occupies a significant place in India's Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and New Delhi's broader engagement with the Global South.
Vision MAHASAGAR represents India's comprehensive maritime and strategic framework aimed at promoting mutual security, sustainable economic development, and regional cooperation across the Global South.
The initiative positions India as both a leading first responder during regional crises and a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region. Unlike traditional security doctrines, MAHASAGAR integrates maritime security with economic diplomacy, climate resilience, infrastructure development, technological collaboration, and capacity building.
The vision also prioritises strengthening the blue economy, improving regional supply chains, enhancing maritime infrastructure, and supporting African and Indian Ocean partner countries in achieving sustainable growth and greater resilience.
Through MAHASAGAR, India seeks to promote collective stewardship of the maritime domain while ensuring stability, prosperity, and secure sea lanes across the region.
Modi's visit follows Seychelles President Patrick Herminie's visit to India in February, during which both countries signed seven Memorandums of Understanding covering climate resilience, renewable energy, digital transformation, ocean observation, hydrography, and maritime scientific research.
Earlier this year, on February 10, senior officials from both countries reviewed defence cooperation and reaffirmed their shared commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and security in the Indian Ocean. They also welcomed the upcoming 12th edition of Exercise LAMITYE, the biennial joint military exercise conducted since 2001, reflecting the maturity and continuity of bilateral defence cooperation.
India and Seychelles share historical ties dating back to the 1770s, when Indians were among the earliest recorded settlers on the islands during French colonial rule. Under British administration, Seychelles was governed for a period from the Bombay Presidency, encouraging trade, migration, and the growth of a vibrant Indian diaspora within the country's Creole society.
Following Seychelles' independence in 1976, India was among the first nations to establish diplomatic relations with the island republic. The participation of INS Nilgiri in the independence celebrations marked the beginning of a maritime partnership that has steadily expanded over the past five decades.
India established its diplomatic mission in Victoria in 1979, with its High Commissioner in Dar es Salaam initially holding concurrent accreditation to Seychelles. Since then, regular high-level exchanges and sustained political engagement have strengthened bilateral relations.
Defence cooperation has emerged as one of the strongest pillars of the partnership. India has consistently assisted Seychelles through specialised military training, supply of naval and aviation assets, transport platforms, hydrographic support, and capacity-building programmes for the Seychelles Defence Forces.
As Prime Minister Modi's visit coincides with Seychelles' 50th National Day celebrations, it is expected to provide fresh momentum to India's Vision MAHASAGAR while reaffirming New Delhi's commitment to a secure, prosperous, and inclusive Indian Ocean region.
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