New Delhi, February 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday announced a special economic package of $175 million for Seychelles to support concrete projects in key areas including social housing, e-mobility, vocational training, health, defence, and maritime security.
The announcement was made during a joint press meeting with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie in the national capital. Emphasising the strength of bilateral ties, Prime Minister Modi said development partnership has been a strong foundation of India–Seychelles relations, guided by the priorities and needs of Seychelles.
“Moving forward in this direction, today we are announcing a Special Economic Package of $175 million. This package will support concrete projects in areas such as social housing, e-mobility, vocational training, health, defence and maritime security,” the Prime Minister said.
He underlined that the package would create new employment and skill-training opportunities, particularly for the youth of Seychelles. Prime Minister Modi also noted that President Herminie’s visit comes at an opportune time as India and Seychelles celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations.
“I am confident that these milestones will inspire us to keep attaining new heights,” he said.
Highlighting the depth of bilateral engagement, Prime Minister Modi said India and Seychelles are connected not only through diplomacy but also through the Indian Ocean. He noted that trade between the two countries has grown, cultures have blended, and the relationship has strengthened over time.
“India and Seychelles are connected not just by geography, but by history, trust and a shared vision for the future,” he said, adding that people-to-people ties remain the greatest strength of the relationship. The Indian community in Seychelles, he said, has made a remarkable contribution to the country’s social and economic life while strengthening bilateral friendship across generations.
Prime Minister Modi further underlined that as a trusted partner and maritime neighbour, Seychelles is an integral part of India’s MAHASAGAR vision, with cooperation spanning land, water and sea.
Prior to the joint press meet, the two leaders held bilateral discussions at Hyderabad House. Earlier in the day, President Herminie 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 the country 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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