India and Seychelles on Sunday announced 19 agreements and development initiatives covering defence, maritime security, digital payments, healthcare, space, agriculture, education and capacity building during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's three-day state visit marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The announcements were made following delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Seychelles President Patrick Herminie. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in the Indian Ocean region, strengthening the economic partnership and accelerating development projects. During the visit, Prime Minister Modi was also conferred Seychelles' highest civilian honour.
The agreements place significant emphasis on strengthening defence cooperation and maritime security in the Indian Ocean region. India announced that it will gift a Fast Patrol Vessel to Seychelles. It will also provide 10 utility vehicles and five Laser Radial Class boats to the Seychelles Defence Force.
India further announced the completion of repair work on the Seychelles Coast Guard vessel PS Zoroaster and the upgrade of the Dornier surveillance aircraft with modern glass cockpit technology. The initiatives are aimed at strengthening maritime surveillance, coastal security and regional stability.
To expand digital cooperation, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) International and the Central Bank of Seychelles signed an agreement that will facilitate the adoption of India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI)-based digital payment system in Seychelles.
India also announced an umbrella Line of Credit worth ₹1,250 crore in Indian rupees for development projects in Seychelles. The financial assistance will be used for infrastructure, public services and other priority development projects in the country.
The two countries also launched several initiatives to strengthen healthcare cooperation. An agreement was signed under India's Jan Aushadhi scheme to facilitate the availability of high-quality and affordable Indian medicines in Seychelles.
The two sides also reached an agreement for preliminary preparations related to Seychelles' new national hospital. India has provided six modern ambulances, while Indian paramedics have arrived in Seychelles to train local healthcare personnel.
India and Seychelles agreed to expand cooperation in agricultural research, higher education, technical training and diplomatic capacity building. Agreements were also reached on the training of foreign service officers, certification of seafarers, agricultural research and the peaceful uses of outer space.
Seychelles President Patrick Herminie requested India's assistance in establishing centres of excellence for cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence (AI). He also proposed the provision of an Advanced Light Helicopter. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the proposals and said India would consider them seriously while expanding cooperation in these areas in the future.
