Context: India Seychelles Relations 2026
During his State Visit to Seychelles, the Prime Minister was conferred the “Guardian of the Blue Horizon” Presidential Distinction by President Dr. Patrick Herminie.
The honour recognised his contribution to:
- Blue Economy
- Climate action
- Sustainable ocean governance
- Interests of Small Island Developing States
It was the first conferment of this honour.
Seychelles: Basic Profile
- Island nation in the Western Indian Ocean.
- Located off the east coast of Africa.
- Member of the African Union.
- Member of the Indian Ocean Commission.
- Comprises 115 islands.
- 43 granitic Inner Islands.
- 72 coralline Outer Islands.
Capital
- Victoria
Largest Island
- Mahé
Other Major Islands
- Praslin
- La Digue
Independence
- Former British colony.
- Became independent in 1976.
India–Seychelles Relations
Strategic Importance
Seychelles is located near key Sea Lines of Communication.
It is a vital maritime partner under India’s MAHASAGAR vision in the Indian Ocean Region.
MAHASAGAR
Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions
Milestone
- 2026 marks 50 years of diplomatic relations.
Key MoUs and Outcomes
1. NPCI International
- Deployment of Unified Payments Interface.
2. Indian Council of Agricultural Research
- Agriculture and Blue Economy cooperation.
3. Health
- Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana medicines.
4. Space
- Satellite applications and capacity building.
5. Extradition Treaty
- Cooperation in legal and criminal matters.
6. Seafarer Certification
- Recognition of Indian seafarers’ training and certification.
7. EXIM Bank
- Line of Credit.
- National Hospital support.
- Diplomatic training.
Challenges
- Growing Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean Region.
- Piracy.
- Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing.
- Maritime crime.
- Climate vulnerability of Small Island Developing States.
- Limited trade, investment and connectivity.
Way Forward
- Deepen maritime security.
- Improve Maritime Domain Awareness.
- Expand Digital Public Infrastructure through UPI and fintech.
- Strengthen Blue Economy cooperation.
- Enhance climate resilience.
- Improve disaster cooperation.
- Strengthen trade, tourism, healthcare and capacity building.
