Victoria: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said India envisions an Indian Ocean characterised by maritime security and economic prosperity founded on mutual respect and trust as he discussed with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie ways to make bilateral economic cooperation more resilient and future-ready.
Modi, who held wide-ranging talks with President Herminie, said they agreed that the Indian Ocean is “our shared home” and therefore “its security, sustainability and prosperity are our shared responsibility”.
“Our vision is to make the Indian Ocean an ocean of opportunity,” Modi said after delegation-level talks with Herminie, during which they took stock of the economic partnership between India and Seychelles and discussed new opportunities in industries, connectivity, technology, digital infrastructure and other areas.
“We believe the Indian Ocean is our shared home; its security, sustainability, and prosperity are our shared responsibility. This spirit forms the foundation of our MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) Vision,” he said.
Modi said he believes that the defence and security of India and Seychelles are “inseparable”. He further said, “We will continue our close cooperation in this regard.”
The Prime Minister said he discussed with President Herminie ways to make bilateral economic cooperation more resilient and future-ready.
“We will continue to explore new opportunities for the industries of both our countries. We will also work towards enhancing connectivity between India and Seychelles. This will not only boost our bilateral trade but also strengthen our ties with East Africa and the Indian Ocean region,” he said.
Modi also said India will share its successful experience in digital public infrastructure with Seychelles.
After the talks, the two sides unveiled 19 outcomes, expanding cooperation in areas ranging from defence and maritime security to digital payments, space, healthcare, agriculture and education.
The outcomes included an extradition treaty, an agreement on cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space, an agreement to advance UPI-based digital payments in Seychelles, an umbrella line of credit agreement with the Export-Import Bank of India and an agreement for preliminary preparations for a new Seychelles National Hospital, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
The two sides also announced the gifting of a fast patrol vessel to Seychelles, the handover of 10 utility vehicles and five Laser Radial class boats to the Seychelles Defence Force, the completion of the refit of PS Zoroaster for the Seychelles Coast Guard and the upgradation of a Dornier aircraft with a glass cockpit.
Modi said his visit came at a historic juncture as Seychelles marks 50 years of independence and the two countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
“Over these five decades, we have transformed friendship into trust, trust into cooperation, and cooperation into the welfare of our people,” he said.
Modi recalled that during President Herminie’s visit to India earlier this year, they announced a special package of USD 175 million. “Under this package, work is underway in areas such as social housing, transport, skilling, food security, education, and defence,” he said.
“Our cooperation in the fields of energy and climate action continues to advance steadily. We will further strengthen our win-win partnership in emerging areas of clean energy, including green hydrogen. The Blue Economy is a natural and strategic pillar of our relationship,” he said.
“The true strength of India-Seychelles relations lies in our people-to-people ties,” Modi said.
He said the popularity of Yoga and the Indian film industry in Seychelles reflects the deep cultural connection between the peoples of the two countries. “In the same spirit, we will continue our efforts to enhance people-to-people exchanges, particularly among the youth of our two countries.”
“The past 50 years of our relationship have been marked by deep trust and shared progress. The next fifty years will be defined by innovation, sustainability, and shared prosperity,” he said.
At a special ceremony, PM Modi was conferred with ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’ by President Herminie for his green leadership and efforts towards advancing the interests of developing countries and his longstanding commitment towards promoting the Blue Economy.
Addressing the National Assembly later, PM Modi said Seychelles “occupies a special place in India’s vision for the Indian Ocean.”
Modi said he and President Herminie discussed their “shared vision for the future”.
“Our vision is captured in the idea of MAHASAGAR. This vision recognises that our futures are inter-connected and inter-dependent. And, we will continue to work together for a safer and more secure Indian Ocean region,” he said.
Modi told lawmakers that the Indian Ocean does not separate India and Seychelles. “It connects us. That is why we meet not as strangers. We meet as old friends,” he said.
“As maritime neighbours, we recognise that the security of one adds to the security of the other. The prosperity of one contributes to the prosperity of the other. And the stability of the region benefits us all,” he said.
“Our cooperation in maritime security, capacity building, hydrography, and maritime domain awareness reflects our shared commitment to a safer and more secure region,” he added.
Underlining that the Global South, and especially the island nations, are the most impacted by climate change, Modi said that climate action must be guided by fairness, responsibility, and equity. “This is the essence of climate justice,” he added.
Seychelles and India both seek a world where development is more inclusive, Modi said, adding that the two sides believe that our shared future must be shaped collectively, inclusively, and fairly.
President Herminie said maritime security in the Indian Ocean region remained central to bilateral ties, with the two countries reaffirming their commitment to counter piracy, drug trafficking, illegal fishing and cross-border crime.
Earlier, Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the State House by Herminie.
Modi is the Guest of Honour at the golden jubilee celebrations of the National Day of Seychelles.
PM Modi last visited Seychelles in 2015, while President Herminie visited India earlier this year.
