The Vice-President of the Republic of Seychelles, H.E. Sebastien Pillay, met Vice-President of India Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan at Uprashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on February 20, 2026, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation across key strategic sectors.
Maritime Security and Transshipment Cooperation
Given Seychelles’ strategic location in the Indian Ocean, maritime cooperation formed a central part of the discussions. Both leaders emphasized enhancing collaboration in maritime security and safety, areas that remain crucial for regional stability and secure sea lanes.
The leaders also explored opportunities for transshipment and improving market access between the two nations. Strengthening trade connectivity is expected to create new economic opportunities while reinforcing India’s broader maritime engagement in the Indian Ocean Region.
India has long partnered with Seychelles in maritime capacity building, surveillance cooperation, and infrastructure support, underscoring New Delhi’s role as a trusted partner in the region.
Expanding Renewable Energy Partnerships
Renewable energy emerged as another key pillar of the talks. The two sides discussed expanding solar and other renewable energy initiatives in Seychelles, leveraging India’s growing expertise in the sector.
India’s advancements in solar power deployment and sustainable energy models have positioned it as a global leader in clean energy transitions. Sharing this experience could help Seychelles strengthen energy security while advancing climate-resilient development.
The meeting highlighted the importance of sustainable growth strategies that align with both countries’ environmental commitments and development priorities.
Focus on Health and Housing
Both Vice-Presidents stressed the need to deepen cooperation in the health and housing sectors. The leaders underlined that development partnerships must remain people-centric and deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
India has previously supported Seychelles through capacity-building initiatives and development assistance in various social sectors. The renewed emphasis on health and housing reflects a shared goal of inclusive and sustainable development.
According to official details shared by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the discussions were constructive and forward-looking. Readers can access official releases at https://pib.gov.in.
Celebrating 50 Years of Diplomatic Relations
This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles. Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the steady progress made over the decades.
They acknowledged the enduring diaspora links and the strong cultural and people-to-people connections that bind the two nations. These social foundations have consistently reinforced political and economic cooperation.
Vice-President Radhakrishnan reiterated India’s commitment to advancing the bilateral partnership to its full potential in the years ahead, particularly within the framework of regional stability and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean Region.
The meeting at Uprashtrapati Bhavan once again underscored India’s emphasis on strengthening ties with maritime neighbours and island nations, reinforcing shared security interests and development aspirations in the Indo-Pacific.
