New Delhi, Jun 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced a series of initiatives to deepen India’s strategic partnership with Seychelles, including the rollout of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), implementation of a $175 million Special Economic Package, expanded cooperation in defence, healthcare, clean energy and the blue economy, while asserting that the security of India and Seychelles is “inseparable.”
Addressing a joint press conference with Seychelles President Dr. Patrick Herminie after bilateral talks, PM Modi said the relationship between the two countries had evolved into a comprehensive partnership over the past five decades.
“My visit is taking place at a historic time when Seychelles is celebrating 50 years of independence, and we are also celebrating the 50th anniversary of India-Seychelles diplomatic relations,” the Prime Minister said. “In these 50 years, we have transformed friendship into trust, trust into cooperation, and cooperation into public welfare.”
Highlighting the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean, PM Modi said India viewed maritime security and regional prosperity as a shared responsibility. “We believe the Indian Ocean is our shared home; its security, sustainability, and prosperity are our shared responsibility. This spirit is the foundation of our MAHASAGAR Vision,” he said.
UPI to be introduced in Seychelles
The Prime Minister announced that India would share its Digital Public Infrastructure expertise with Seychelles, with the two countries signing an agreement to introduce India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in the island nation.
“We believe that digital technology is an effective means of bridging the gap between our two countries. We will share India’s successful experience in Digital Public Infrastructure with Seychelles. And I am pleased that today an MoU is being signed to implement UPI in Seychelles,” PM Modi said.
$175 million package implementation underway
PM Modi said work had begun under the $175 million Special Economic Package announced during President Herminie’s visit to India earlier this year. “Under this, work is underway in areas such as social housing, transport, skilling, food security, education, and defence,” he said. He also announced the virtual groundbreaking of a Professional and Technical Centre to enhance skills and employment opportunities for Seychellois youth. “We believe that this Centre will elevate the skills, employment, and self-confidence of Seychelles’ youth in the future,” he added.
Affordable medicines, green hydrogen and space cooperation
The Prime Minister said the two countries signed an MoU on Jan Aushadhi to improve access to affordable medicines in Seychelles. “The MOU signed today on Jan Aushadhi will help provide quality and affordable medicines to the people of Seychelles. We will continue to strengthen Seychelles’ medical care through capacity building and training,” he said.
He added that both countries would expand cooperation in clean energy, including green hydrogen, as well as the blue economy, marine science, ocean observation and coastal management. “I am pleased that an MOU has been signed between the two sides” on space cooperation, PM Modi said.
Defence ties to deepen
Emphasising strategic cooperation in the Indian Ocean, Modi said defence and maritime security remained central pillars of bilateral ties. “We believe that the defense and security of India and Seychelles are inseparable. We will continue our close cooperation in this direction,” he said. The two leaders also discussed enhancing connectivity between the countries to boost trade and strengthen links with East Africa and the wider Indian Ocean region.
‘Ocean of Opportunity’
PM Modi said India envisioned an inclusive and prosperous Indian Ocean region built on equality and mutual trust.
“The message of my visit to Seychelles is clear: India envisions an Indian Ocean where maritime security is complemented by economic prosperity; where our partnership is based on mutual respect and trust, not size; and where we move together, not side by side, with each country.” “Our vision is to make the Indian Ocean into an Ocean of Opportunity,” he added.
Expressing confidence in the future of bilateral ties, PM Modi said, “The last fifty years of our relationship have been marked by deep trust and shared progress. The coming fifty years will be marked by innovation, sustainability, and shared prosperity.”
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