India and Seychelles have signed a series of agreements to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, digital payments, agriculture, healthcare, maritime affairs and sustainable development during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three-day State Visit. The two countries also announced a ₹1,250 crore Line of Credit and unveiled initiatives to enhance connectivity, clean energy and capacity building as they celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations.
Key Highlights
✅ India and Seychelles signed multiple agreements covering trade, agriculture, digital cooperation and maritime affairs.
✅ A ₹1,250 crore Line of Credit was announced through the Export-Import Bank of India.
✅ PM Modi proposed direct shipping links and greater trade using local currencies.
✅ Both countries inaugurated India-supported solar projects and launched new education and healthcare initiatives.
New Delhi, June 29: India and Seychelles have further strengthened their strategic partnership by signing a series of agreements covering trade, digital technology, agriculture, healthcare, maritime cooperation and sustainable development during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three-day State Visit to the Indian Ocean nation.
The agreements were finalized following bilateral discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Seychelles President Patrick Herminie at the State House in Victoria, marking another milestone in the celebrations of 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
₹1,250 Crore Line of Credit to Support Development
Among the major outcomes of the visit was the signing of an umbrella Line of Credit agreement worth ₹1,250 crore between the Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank) and the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning, Trade and Investment of Seychelles.
The financial assistance is expected to support infrastructure development, economic growth and priority projects across multiple sectors in Seychelles.
President Herminie also acknowledged India’s previously announced Special Economic Package of US$175 million, comprising a US$125 million rupee-denominated Line of Credit and US$50 million in grant assistance for projects related to social housing, e-mobility, vocational education, healthcare, defence and maritime security.
Focus on Trade, Connectivity and Digital Cooperation
Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to expanding economic cooperation with Seychelles by proposing the establishment of direct shipping links, increased trade settlements in local currencies, and enhanced connectivity to facilitate commerce, tourism and investment.
The leaders discussed ways to deepen cooperation in development partnership, clean energy, creative industries, healthcare and digital technology, reflecting the expanding scope of bilateral engagement.
The proposed initiatives are expected to improve connectivity between the two countries while strengthening economic integration across the Indian Ocean Region.
Healthcare, Education and Capacity Building
As part of India’s development partnership, Prime Minister Modi announced the gifting of six ambulances to Seychelles and extended access to affordable medicines through India’s Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana.
India also offered specialized training programmes for Seychellois healthcare professionals, further strengthening cooperation in the health sector.
The two leaders virtually launched the construction of the India-assisted Professional and Technical Education Centre, which will contribute to skill development and vocational education in Seychelles.
In another significant announcement, both countries agreed to begin preliminary work for establishing a new Seychelles National Hospital, demonstrating India’s continued support for strengthening healthcare infrastructure in the island nation.
Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development
Prime Minister Modi and President Herminie jointly inaugurated three solar-powered water pumping systems developed with support from the International Solar Alliance (ISA), reaffirming both countries’ commitment to clean energy and climate resilience.
The leaders also jointly unveiled the official commemorative logo marking 50 years of diplomatic relations, symbolizing the enduring friendship between India and Seychelles.
Agriculture, Maritime and Space Cooperation
Several additional agreements were signed to expand collaboration in agricultural research and education, promote sustainable farming practices and strengthen food security.
The two countries also signed agreements for the mutual recognition of training and certification of seafarers serving on Seychelles-flagged vessels, further enhancing maritime cooperation.
Another important area of collaboration includes the peaceful exploration and use of outer space, reflecting the growing strategic and technological partnership between the two nations.
Humanitarian Assistance and Development Support
India further announced humanitarian assistance by supplying 500 metric tonnes of rice and 8,500 metric tonnes of cement to Seychelles, reinforcing its role as a reliable development partner.
President Herminie appreciated India’s continued support under the Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL), adopted earlier this year.
He emphasized that food security, parliamentary cooperation, maritime collaboration and stronger people-to-people ties remain central pillars of the India-Seychelles partnership.
Strengthening Strategic Partnership in the Indian Ocean
Prime Minister Modi’s visit underscores India’s growing strategic engagement in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), where Seychelles remains one of India’s closest maritime partners.
The wide-ranging agreements signed during the visit reflect a shared commitment to economic development, digital transformation, maritime security, renewable energy, healthcare, education and sustainable development, while laying the foundation for deeper cooperation over the coming decades.
Conclusion
The agreements signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s State Visit to Seychelles mark a significant expansion of bilateral cooperation across strategic, economic and development sectors. As India and Seychelles celebrate five decades of diplomatic relations, the new initiatives in trade, digital payments, clean energy, healthcare, agriculture and connectivity are expected to further strengthen one of India’s most important partnerships in the Indian Ocean Region.
