New Delhi, February 9: Seychelles President Patrick Herminie on Monday invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the 50th anniversary of Seychelles’ Independence Day as the Guest of Honour, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations.
The announcement was made during a joint press meeting with Prime Minister Modi in the national capital. President Herminie said his visit reflects the longstanding friendship and mutual respect between India and Seychelles.
“This year marks a significant milestone in our relations. In June, Seychelles and India will commemorate the golden jubilee of their diplomatic relations, coinciding with Seychelles’ 50th anniversary of independence, to which Mr. Modi will be invited as Guest of Honour. We have shared our vision for cooperation over the next five years,” President Herminie said.
Highlighting the shared priorities of the two Indian Ocean nations, President Herminie said maritime security and regional stability remain central to the relationship. He noted that both sides reaffirmed their shared responsibility to promote safety, stability, and lawful activity in the western Indian Ocean.
“Our collaboration in maritime surveillance, security, and defence capacity development continues to play a vital role in countering international crime, piracy, and maritime threats, and in safeguarding critical sea lanes,” he said.
President Herminie also highlighted India’s support in renewable energy and resilience-building initiatives. He praised the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, noting that it has strengthened Seychelles’ institutional capabilities and human resources.
“Tourism remains a cornerstone of the Seychelles economy, and India represents a growing market supported by improving air connectivity,” he added, noting that discussions also focused on trade, investment, and opportunities for enhanced collaboration.
He further underscored India’s growing role in health diplomacy, including the sharing of medical expertise, institutional partnerships, and specialised care, which he said has delivered tangible benefits to the people of Seychelles. He also noted that the two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding on sharing successful digital solutions for digital transformation.
During his remarks, Prime Minister Modi welcomed Seychelles as a full-time member of the Colombo Security Conclave and said defence and maritime cooperation are important pillars of the bilateral relationship.
Prime Minister Modi also announced a special economic package of $175 million for Seychelles to support concrete projects in areas such as social housing, e-mobility, vocational training, health, defence, and maritime security.
“Development partnership has been a strong foundation of India–Seychelles relations. All our efforts have been based on the priorities and needs of Seychelles. Moving forward in this direction, today we are announcing a Special Economic Package of $175 million,” the Prime Minister said.
Prior to the joint press meet, the two leaders held a bilateral meeting. President Herminie also paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.
Sharing details of the visit on social media, the Ministry of External Affairs said Mahatma Gandhi’s principles continue to guide and inspire the India–Seychelles partnership.
President Herminie arrived in New Delhi on Sunday after completing engagements in Chennai and Mumbai as part of his ongoing State Visit to India. This is his first visit to India since assuming office in October 2025 and coincides with the celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles.
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