India, Seychelles unveil 19 outcomes to deepen cooperation in defence, digital payments, space, health

India and Seychelles on Sunday announced 19 key outcomes aimed at widening cooperation between the two countries, covering areas such as defence, maritime security, digital technology, healthcare, education, agriculture and space.

The announcements came after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Seychelles President Patrick Herminie during Modi’s three-day state visit to the Indian Ocean island nation.

The latest agreements highlight the expanding partnership between New Delhi and Victoria, with a focus on security cooperation, connectivity, capacity building and development assistance.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two sides agreed on several major initiatives, including an extradition treaty, cooperation in the peaceful exploration and use of outer space, and measures to introduce UPI-based digital payment systems in Seychelles.

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The countries also signed an umbrella line of credit agreement with the Export-Import Bank of India and agreed to begin preliminary work for establishing a new Seychelles National Hospital.

As part of India’s defence support, New Delhi gifted a fast patrol vessel to Seychelles, handed over 10 utility vehicles and five Laser Radial boats to the Seychelles Defence Force, completed the refit of Coast Guard vessel PS Zoroaster and upgraded a Dornier aircraft with a glass cockpit.

India also extended humanitarian and development assistance through the supply of six ambulances, 500 metric tonnes of rice and 8,500 metric tonnes of cement.

The two countries launched a commemorative logo marking 50 years of diplomatic relations and held a virtual ground-breaking ceremony for a Professional and Technical Education Centre, the MEA said.

Focus on digital, health and capacity building

An agreement between the National Payments Corporation of India International Payments Ltd. and the Central Bank of Seychelles will support the rollout of UPI-based digital payments in Seychelles, strengthening economic and technological cooperation.

Under another agreement, HLL Lifecare Ltd. will work with Seychelles’ health ministry through the Jan Aushadhi initiative to improve access to affordable and quality Indian medicines.

The two sides also signed an understanding for preliminary preparations related to the proposed Seychelles National Hospital.

Additional agreements covered diplomatic training between India’s Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service and Seychelles’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, cooperation in agricultural research and education, recognition of training and certification for seafarers working on Seychelles-flagged vessels, and collaboration in space exploration.

Strengthening ties after five decades

The outcomes were announced during Modi’s state visit, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles.

Modi is visiting Seychelles at the invitation of President Herminie and will participate in the country’s National Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour.

The two leaders are expected to further strengthen cooperation between the two nations, which share close strategic and development ties in the Indian Ocean region.

With inputs from agencies