New Delhi [India], February 2 (ANI): At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Patrick Herminie, President of the Republic of Seychelles, will undertake a state visit to India from February 5 to 10. This will be President Herminie’s first visit to India since assuming office in October 2025 and coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
During his visit, President Herminie will meet the President of India and hold discussions with Prime Minister Modi on bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest. He will also visit Chennai and Mumbai to attend business events.
“Seychelles is a key maritime neighbor for India in the Indian Ocean region and holds a special place in India’s Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and our commitment to the Global South,” the Ministry of External Affairs stated. The visit, following the Vice President of India’s visit to Seychelles in October 2025, is expected to further strengthen cooperation and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
India-Seychelles relations are rooted in historical connections and sustained support for Seychelles’ security. The first Indians arrived in Seychelles in 1770 as plantation workers, alongside African slaves and French colonists. During the British colonial period, Seychelles was at times governed from the Bombay Presidency, with shipping links facilitating trade and migration of an Indian trading community from East Africa.
Diplomatic ties were formally established following Seychelles’ independence in 1976. India participated in Seychelles’ Independence Day celebrations through a contingent from the Indian Naval Ship INS Nilgiri. India established its mission in Victoria in 1979, initially with the High Commissioner based in Dar-es-Salaam and concurrently accredited to Seychelles. The first resident High Commissioner was appointed in 1987, and Seychelles opened its resident mission in New Delhi in early 2008.
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