Seychelles President Dr. Patrick Herminie is visiting India from February 5 to 10. This trip is a big deal for both countries, especially as India focuses more on the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) amid growing global tensions.
Seychelles is crucial for India’s strategic plans. This is a special visit for Dr. Herminie since it’s his first official trip to India since taking office last October. He will also meet business leaders in Chennai and Mumbai.
The visit marks 50 years of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles, a moment that highlights their growing friendship and cooperation. India sees Seychelles as a key partner in the IOR, which is significant for security and economic ties.
India’s Vision MAHASAGAR—aimed at creating security, prosperity, and connectivity in the Indian Ocean—aligns closely with Seychelles’ position. The island nation has a vast Exclusive Economic Zone and is central to monitoring maritime activities and tackling threats like piracy.
Over the years, India and Seychelles have built a strong defense partnership. India has provided several vessels and aircraft to Seychelles for maritime surveillance and security. For example, India gifted two Dornier surveillance aircraft and several patrol boats.
Experts see opportunities for deepening maritime cooperation during this visit. Ruchita Beri, a senior fellow at the Vivekananda International Foundation, points out that both countries face similar security challenges in maritime areas, including drug trafficking and piracy.
There’s also ongoing debate about the Assumption Island project. An agreement signed in 2015 to develop a naval facility there has faced local pushback, raising concerns about sovereignty among Seychellois. This issue could come up during discussions.
Aside from security, development programs play a big role in their relationship. Through various Indian initiatives, Seychelles has received educational and infrastructural support, helping over 1% of its population benefit from training courses.
Recent statistics show that India exported goods worth $76.19 million to Seychelles while importing $8.69 million in the 2023-24 financial year, marking a 14.96% increase from the previous year. Yet, trade remains limited due to the lack of direct shipping routes.
Dr. Herminie, being a medical professional, may discuss options for investments in healthcare and education while exploring tourism, which Seychelles has positioned as an alternative to the Maldives. Enhanced air connectivity could boost tourism and trade between the two nations.
There are strong historical and cultural ties as well. About 5,000 Seychellois hold Indian origin citizenship, making a significant community in a country of around 120,000. These connections enrich the relationship, fostering trust and collaboration on multiple levels.
In summary, Dr. Herminie’s visit aims to strengthen Seychelles’ role in India’s Vision MAHASAGAR, paving the way for more cooperation on important regional and global issues.
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SEYCHELLES PRESIDENT, INDIA MARITIME PRIORITIES, VISION MAHASAGAR, GLOBAL SOUTH STRATEGY, INDIAN OCEAN ISLAND STATES, SEYCHELLES PRESIDENT UPCOMING VISIT SIGNALS INDIA MARITIME PRIORITIES IN THE INDIAN OCEAN
