Vice-President Radhakrishnan and President Herminie discussed ways to further deepen cooperation across a wide range of sectors that are critical to sustainable development and regional stability. The discussions reflected the evolving nature of the partnership, which has expanded steadily over the past five decades.
Focus on Maritime Security and Indian Ocean Stability
Maritime security emerged as a key area of discussion during the meeting. Both leaders reiterated the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the Indian Ocean Region, which remains vital for global trade and regional security.
India and Seychelles have long cooperated in maritime surveillance, capacity building, and defence training. The leaders acknowledged that closer coordination in maritime security would help address common challenges such as piracy, illegal fishing, and transnational crime.
They also reaffirmed their shared vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indian Ocean Region, aligned with international law and mutual respect for sovereignty.
Expanding Cooperation in Renewable Energy and Digitalisation
Renewable energy and digitalisation were identified as priority sectors for future collaboration. India’s experience in solar and clean energy solutions was highlighted as a potential area of support for Seychelles’ sustainable development goals.
The two sides explored opportunities to enhance cooperation in digital governance, e-services, and technology-driven solutions that can improve public service delivery. India’s digital public infrastructure was noted as a model that could offer valuable lessons for small island developing states.
Healthcare, Education, and Hospitality Ties
The leaders also reviewed cooperation in the medical sector, higher education, and hospitality. India has been a long-standing partner in providing medical assistance, training, and educational opportunities to Seychellois students and professionals.
Both sides expressed interest in expanding academic exchanges and skill development programmes, particularly in areas such as healthcare, tourism, and hospitality management, which are crucial for Seychelles’ economy.
Vice-President Recalls Seychelles Visit
During the meeting, Vice-President Radhakrishnan fondly recalled his visit to Seychelles in October last year, when he attended the swearing-in ceremony of President Herminie. He described the visit as a reflection of the warmth and depth of bilateral ties.
The leaders noted that such high-level exchanges play a significant role in strengthening diplomatic engagement and fostering greater understanding between the two countries.
Marking 50 Years of Diplomatic Relations
As India and Seychelles mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, both leaders emphasized the need to build on the strong foundation laid over decades. They agreed that the milestone offers an opportunity to chart a forward-looking agenda focused on sustainable growth and regional cooperation.
India has been a reliable development partner for Seychelles, supporting infrastructure projects, capacity building, and humanitarian assistance. The meeting reaffirmed New Delhi’s commitment to continue supporting Seychelles’ development priorities.
Official details of the meeting were later shared by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), highlighting the broad convergence of views between the two leaders.
Shared Vision for the Future
Concluding the meeting, Vice-President Radhakrishnan and President Herminie reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region. They expressed confidence that the India–Seychelles partnership would continue to grow stronger in the years ahead.
The meeting underscored India’s continued outreach to island nations in the Indian Ocean and its emphasis on cooperative security and inclusive development as key pillars of its foreign policy.
