India and Seychelles Strengthen Ties: A New Era of Cooperation Unveiled

India and Seychelles have announced a series of 19 agreements aimed at strengthening their bilateral relations. Following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Patrick Herminie, the agreements cover a wide range of sectors, including defence, healthcare, and digital payments. This collaboration marks a significant step in enhancing cooperation between the two nations, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. The outcomes include an extradition treaty, initiatives for UPI-based payments, and various developmental projects. The Prime Minister's visit also includes participation in Seychelles' National Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 28, 2026, 17:43 IST

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

Victoria (Seychelles): On Sunday, India and Seychelles announced 19 significant outcomes following discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Patrick Herminie. This collaboration aims to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including defence, maritime security, digital payments, space exploration, healthcare, agriculture, and education.

This comprehensive agreement signifies a deepening of New Delhi's engagement with the strategically important Indian Ocean nation, focusing on security, connectivity, capacity building, and development partnerships.

As per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the agreements encompass an extradition treaty, a pact for peaceful outer space utilization, and initiatives to promote UPI-based digital transactions in Seychelles. Additionally, an umbrella line of credit agreement with the Export-Import Bank of India and plans for a new Seychelles National Hospital were also established.

The nations also revealed the donation of a fast patrol vessel to Seychelles, along with the transfer of 10 utility vehicles and five Laser Radial class boats to the Seychelles Defence Force. Furthermore, the refitting of PS Zoroaster for the Seychelles Coast Guard and the modernization of a Dornier aircraft with a glass cockpit were completed.

Other developmental efforts included the provision of six ambulances, 500 metric tonnes of rice, and 8,500 metric tonnes of cement. A commemorative logo celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations was launched, along with a virtual ground-breaking ceremony for a Professional and Technical Education Centre, as stated by the MEA in a series of posts on X.

An agreement was also signed between the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) International Payments Ltd. and the Central Bank of Seychelles to enhance UPI-based digital payments and foster economic and technological collaboration.

Additionally, a partnership between HLL Lifecare Ltd. and Seychelles' health ministry under the Jan Aushadhi scheme aims to improve access to quality and affordable Indian medicines. Another memorandum of understanding outlines preliminary steps for the new Seychelles National Hospital, according to the MEA.

The two nations finalized agreements on diplomatic training between the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service and Seychelles' Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, agricultural research and education, recognition of training and certification for seafarers on Seychelles-flagged vessels, and cooperation in the exploration and peaceful use of outer space, as noted by the MEA.

These outcomes were revealed after delegation-level discussions between Modi and Herminie during the Prime Minister's three-day state visit to Seychelles, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The Prime Minister is visiting Seychelles at the invitation of President Herminie and will also attend the National Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour.