Seychelles President Dr. Patrick Herminie’s upcoming visit to India from February 5 to 10 is crucial for both nations, especially as India focuses on the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The visit marks his first since taking office in October, and it comes at an important time to strengthen ties.
Seychelles, strategically located along vital sea routes, plays a significant role in India’s Vision MAHASAGAR, which promotes security and economic growth across littoral states. The countries have shared diplomatic relations for 50 years, making this visit a great opportunity to deepen their collaboration.
India’s Vision MAHASAGAR aims to enhance security cooperation, bolstering maritime safety and sustainable growth in the region. Seychelles’ vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) positions it as a key player in maintaining maritime security, combating piracy, and ensuring freedom of navigation.
Years of defense cooperation have yielded results, including the gifting of patrol boats and surveillance aircrafts to Seychelles. For instance, India provided various vessels to bolster Seychelles’ coast guard capabilities, highlighting their cooperative defense architecture.
According to Ruchita Beri, a Senior Fellow at the Vivekananda International Foundation, boosting maritime cooperation will likely be a focus during this visit. “Seychelles is crucial for India in tackling issues like drug trafficking and piracy,” she noted.
One significant topic is the Assumption Island naval facility agreement, signed in 2015 but stalled due to local political concerns. “It’s vital to revisit this conversation,” said Samir Bhattacharya from the Observer Research Foundation, emphasizing the importance of strategic maritime operations in the region.
Bilateral development initiatives are also essential, with India allocating ₹19 crore for aid in the recent Union Budget. Projects like community development and solar energy initiatives demonstrate India’s commitment. Seychelles benefits from the Indian Technical Economic Cooperation programme, helping train hundreds of Seychellois professionals.
Blue economy discussions will likely arise too. Seychelles prioritizes blue economy practices, aligning with India’s environmental goals. Beri emphasized that both nations could enhance cooperation in managing marine resources.
The bilateral trade between India and Seychelles remains modest, partly due to a lack of direct shipping links. In the last fiscal year, trade reached about $76 million, with India primarily exporting food and construction materials. Improving air connectivity could also stimulate tourism, with Seychelles seen as a promising alternative to the Maldives.
Historical ties enhance this partnership. Around 5,000 people of Indian origin live in Seychelles, contributing significantly to sectors like trade and construction. Moreover, over 7,000 Indians work in Seychelles, further strengthening people-to-people bonds.
In summary, Dr. Herminie’s visit could reinforce Seychelles’ importance in India’s Vision MAHASAGAR, focusing on security, economic growth, and cultural connections. This partnership is essential in addressing regional challenges and fostering prosperity in the Indian Ocean.
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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
