Maritime Ties Rooted in History and Shared Values
Addressing participants, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal underlined that India and Seychelles share a relationship rooted in centuries-old maritime exchanges, long before the advent of modern diplomacy. Over time, this historical connection has evolved into a close partnership anchored in democratic values, pluralism and mutual respect.
Cooperation between the two nations spans development assistance, education, healthcare, maritime security and disaster response, reinforcing trust and people-to-people ties across the Indian Ocean.
MAHASAGAR Vision Guides India–Seychelles Partnership
Sonowal said India’s engagement with Seychelles is guided by the MAHASAGAR vision—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. The vision emphasises economic cooperation, sustainability and maritime security as pillars of stability in the Indian Ocean Region.
He noted that renewed momentum has been injected into bilateral ties under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose neighbourhood-first policy and focus on ocean-based cooperation have provided a clear strategic framework for engagement with island nations.
Blue Economy at the Centre of Future Cooperation
Identifying priority areas, Sonowal highlighted the immense potential of the blue economy, including fisheries, aquaculture, port development, marine infrastructure, ocean-based renewable energy and marine research. Tourism, hospitality, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, fintech, education and skills development were also cited as promising sectors for collaboration.
He said India’s expertise in port-led development, logistics, shipbuilding and renewable energy could complement Seychelles’ development priorities, while Mumbai’s financial and fintech ecosystem offers opportunities for innovation and financial inclusion.
Mumbai as a Natural Hub for Maritime Collaboration
Sonowal described Mumbai as a city shaped by the sea, trade and enterprise, making it a fitting venue to advance India–Seychelles economic cooperation. He noted that the city’s ports, logistics networks, shipyards and financial institutions position it as a natural gateway for maritime trade and ocean-based industries.
Participation from Indian companies across infrastructure, fisheries, health, education, fintech and automobile sectors underscored growing private-sector interest in Seychelles and the wider Indian Ocean market.
India’s Maritime Growth Creates Natural Synergies
Referring to India’s broader economic trajectory, Sonowal said the country stands at a pivotal moment, supported by sustained domestic demand, reform-oriented policies and large-scale infrastructure investment. Over the past decade, India’s port capacity has doubled, the number of seafarers has tripled and sea cruise passengers have increased fourfold.
He added that India’s young and skilled workforce offers long-term opportunities for global partners, creating natural synergies with maritime nations like Seychelles.
Connectivity and Trade Strengthen Bilateral Engagement
Indian exports to Seychelles include pharmaceuticals, food products, textiles, engineering goods, automobiles and construction materials. Indian companies have also contributed to infrastructure development, energy projects and services in Seychelles.
Improved connectivity, including direct flights between Mumbai and Mahé, has further strengthened tourism, business travel and commercial engagement between the two countries.
From Mumbai to Mahé, Shared Vision for the Indian Ocean
Concluding his address, Sonowal said India and Seychelles stand at a moment of opportunity, with historic friendship, political trust and expanding connectivity forming a strong foundation for deeper economic partnership.
“From Mumbai to Mahé, the distance is shorter and the possibilities greater,” he said, urging businesses from both countries to work together to build enduring and mutually beneficial partnerships.
