Table of Contents
Relevance: UPSC GS Paper II: India’s Neighbourhood, Bilateral Relations and Indian Ocean Diplomacy
For Prelims:
- Seychelles, Mascarene Plateau, UPI, CDRI, Blue Economy
For Mains:
- SAGAR Vision, Maritime Security, Climate Justice, Development Partnership, Indian Ocean Diplomacy
Why in News?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Seychelles from June 27–29, 2026 and attended the country’s 50th National Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour.During talks with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie, both sides unveiled 19 outcomes covering defence, maritime security, digital payments, space, healthcare, agriculture, education and infrastructure.The Prime Minister described the Indian Ocean as a shared home, whose security, sustainability and prosperity are the common responsibility of regional countries.
Why is Seychelles Important for India?
Strategic Location
Seychelles lies close to important maritime trade routes connecting Asia, Africa and the wider Indian Ocean region.
Maritime Security
It is an important partner in addressing:
- Piracy
- Illegal fishing
- Drug trafficking
- Maritime crime
- Search-and-rescue operations
SAGAR Vision
Seychelles occupies a significant place in India’s SAGAR—Security and Growth for All in the Region—vision.
Link with East Africa
Greater connectivity with Seychelles can strengthen India’s trade and strategic engagement with East Africa and other Indian Ocean countries.
| Seychelles:
Defence Cooperation:
Historical and Migration Links
Indian Diaspora
Diplomatic Relations
Cultural Relations
Development Partnership India supports Seychelles through:
More than 1% of Seychelles’ population has received professional training in India. In 2026, India announced a $175 million Special Economic Package for Seychelles. Health Cooperation
Strategic Importance
|
What Were the Major Outcomes?
Defence Assistance
India announced:
- Gifting of a fast patrol vessel
- Ten utility vehicles
- Five Laser Radial-class boats
- Refit of Coast Guard vessel PS Zoroaster
- Upgradation of a Dornier aircraft with a glass cockpit
These measures strengthen Seychelles’ maritime surveillance and coastal-security capabilities.
Humanitarian and Development Support
India handed over:
- Six ambulances
- 500 tonnes of rice
- 8,500 tonnes of cement
A virtual ground-breaking ceremony was also held for a Professional and Technical Education Centre.
Digital and Financial Cooperation
An agreement between NPCI International Payments Limited and the Central Bank of Seychelles will facilitate the introduction of UPI-based digital payments.
Its significance includes:
- Faster digital transactions
- Improved payment connectivity
- Financial inclusion
- Greater use of Indian digital public infrastructure abroad
Health and Agriculture Cooperation
Healthcare
India and Seychelles agreed to:
- Prepare for a new Seychelles National Hospital
- Supply affordable generic medicines and medical products under the Jan Aushadhi Scheme
Agriculture
ICAR and the Seychelles Agriculture Department signed a cooperation framework for:
- Joint research
- Training
- Agricultural education
- Technical studies during 2026–31
Space, Shipping and Legal Cooperation
Space
The two countries signed an agreement on the peaceful uses of outer space, covering:
- Satellite applications
- Space technology
- Capacity building
Shipping
Seychelles agreed to recognise Indian seafarers’ training and certification for employment on Seychelles-flagged vessels.
Extradition Treaty
A new extradition treaty will strengthen cooperation against fugitives and transnational crime.
Development Finance
An umbrella Line of Credit agreement worth ₹1,250 crore was concluded between Seychelles and the Export-Import Bank of India.
It will support priority projects under the Special Economic Package, particularly in infrastructure and social development.
Climate Action and Blue Economy
Prime Minister Modi highlighted that small island nations face severe consequences of climate change despite contributing little to global emissions.
He called for climate action based on:
- Fairness
- Responsibility
- Equity
- Climate justice
India and Seychelles also agreed to deepen cooperation in:
- Renewable energy
- Green hydrogen
- Marine conservation
- Sustainable fisheries
- Blue Economy
Seychelles also announced its decision to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
Diplomatic and Cultural Significance
- The visit marked 50 years of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles.
- Prime Minister Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to address an extraordinary sitting of the Seychelles National Assembly.
- He was also conferred the “Guardian of the Blue Horizon” honour for his green leadership, support for developing countries and promotion of the Blue Economy.
- India’s participation through Army and Navy contingents in the National Day celebrations reflected close defence ties and military cooperation.
Significance for India
- Strengthens India’s presence in the western Indian Ocean.
- Supports maritime-domain awareness and anti-piracy efforts.
- Expands India’s digital public infrastructure abroad.
- Counters the influence of external powers in the Indian Ocean.
- Deepens engagement with African and island nations.
- Promotes India as a reliable development and security partner.
- Advances the SAGAR vision and Global South cooperation.
Way Forward
- Strengthen joint maritime surveillance and information sharing.
- Complete development projects within agreed timelines.
- Expand UPI and digital-public-infrastructure cooperation.
- Promote renewable energy and climate-resilient infrastructure.
- Support marine conservation and sustainable fisheries.
- Increase defence training and capacity building.
- Improve connectivity between India, Seychelles and East Africa.
- Expand youth, education, tourism and cultural exchanges.
Conclusion
India–Seychelles relations combine maritime security, development cooperation, climate action and people-to-people ties. Seychelles’ strategic location makes it central to India’s vision for a secure and prosperous Indian Ocean.The 2026 visit expanded cooperation from traditional defence and development assistance to digital payments, space, healthcare and renewable energy. Sustained partnership based on mutual trust and respect can transform the Indian Ocean into an ocean of opportunity.
UPSC PYQ
Q. Match List I (Islands) with List II (Ocean) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
| List I | List II |
| A. Hawaiian Islands | 1. Indian Ocean |
| B. Solomon Islands | 2. North Pacific Ocean |
| C. St. Helena | 3. South Pacific Ocean |
| D. Seychelles | 4. South Atlantic Ocean |
Codes:
A. A–2, B–3, C–4, D–1
B. A–1, B–4, C–3, D–2
C. A–2, B–4, C–3, D–1
D. A–1, B–3, C–4, D–2
Answer: A
Explanation
- Hawaiian Islands — North Pacific Ocean
- Solomon Islands — South Pacific Ocean
- St. Helena — South Atlantic Ocean
- Seychelles — Indian Ocean
CARE MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding Seychelles:
- It is an archipelagic country located in the western Indian Ocean.
- Its capital Victoria is located on Mahé Island.
- Seychelles has joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
- It is located to the west of mainland Africa.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: B
Explanation
- Statement 1 is correct: Seychelles is an island country in the western Indian Ocean.
- Statement 2 is correct: Victoria is located on Mahé Island.
- Statement 3 is correct: Seychelles announced its decision to join CDRI.
- Statement 4 is incorrect: Seychelles lies off the east coast of mainland Africa.
FAQs
1. What is the capital of Seychelles?
Victoria, located on Mahé Island.
2. Why is Seychelles strategically important?
It lies near major Indian Ocean maritime routes and supports regional security.
3. What is SAGAR?
Security and Growth for All in the Region, India’s vision for Indian Ocean cooperation.
4. What digital agreement was signed?
An agreement to introduce UPI-based digital-payment infrastructure in Seychelles.
5. What is the Blue Economy?
Sustainable use of ocean resources for growth, livelihoods and ecosystem protection.
