Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India’s vision is to transform the Indian Ocean into an “Ocean of Opportunity” during his three-day state visit to Seychelles, reaffirming New Delhi’s commitment to strengthening ties with the strategically located island nation.
Holding wide-ranging talks with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie, Modi announced that the two countries had signed nine agreements spanning defence, maritime security, digital cooperation, healthcare, agriculture, banking, law enforcement and capacity building. He stressed that the Indian Ocean should remain a region of peace, stability and shared prosperity, where nations work together on the basis of mutual respect and trust.
President Herminie welcomed India’s continued support for Seychelles’ development priorities and described the partnership as one built on decades of friendship and cooperation. The visit also marked a significant diplomatic milestone, with Modi becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address Seychelles’ National Assembly.
Expanding Cooperation
Addressing a joint press conference after bilateral discussions, Modi said that India and Seychelles share a common vision for a secure, stable and prosperous Indian Ocean. “Our vision is to make the Indian Ocean an Ocean of Opportunity,” he said, adding that both countries believe security and growth in the region can only be achieved through cooperation rather than competition. He noted that the defence and security interests of India and Seychelles are closely intertwined and pledged to further strengthen collaboration in maritime surveillance, coastal security, disaster management and capacity building.
The leaders also discussed expanding cooperation in emerging sectors such as digital public infrastructure, renewable energy, space technology, education and healthcare. Among the nine agreements signed during the visit were an extradition treaty and pacts aimed at boosting agriculture, digital payments, banking services and institutional partnerships.
Modi also highlighted India’s continued support through development projects, training programmes and people-centric initiatives, saying the partnership extends beyond strategic interests to improving the lives of citizens in both countries. President Herminie said Seychelles values India’s role as a trusted development partner and expressed confidence that the new agreements would deepen economic and cultural ties while contributing to regional stability.
Why Seychelles Holds Strategic Importance
Although Seychelles is home to a population of just over one lakh people, its location in the western Indian Ocean gives it immense geopolitical significance. The archipelago lies close to major international shipping routes that connect Asia, Africa and Europe, making it an important partner in safeguarding maritime trade and regional security. A substantial share of the world’s commercial shipping and energy supplies passes through the Indian Ocean, making stability in the region crucial not only for India but also for the global economy.
For India, Seychelles is a key pillar of its maritime vision under the MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) initiative, which seeks to promote collective security, sustainable development and stronger regional partnerships.
The two countries have worked together for years on tackling piracy, illegal fishing, maritime crime, drug trafficking, search-and-rescue operations and humanitarian assistance during natural disasters. India has also supported Seychelles through infrastructure projects, defence equipment, coastal surveillance systems, patrol vessels, scholarships and capacity-building initiatives.
Against the backdrop of increasing strategic competition in the Indian Ocean, the visit signals India’s continued focus on strengthening relationships with trusted regional partners while reinforcing a rules-based and cooperative maritime order.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
India’s growing partnership with Seychelles highlights the value of diplomacy rooted in mutual respect, shared interests and long-term cooperation rather than power politics. As climate change, maritime security, piracy, illegal fishing and geopolitical tensions increasingly affect the Indian Ocean region, stronger collaboration among neighbouring countries can help create a more resilient and peaceful future. ‘
Strategic partnerships are most meaningful when they also improve people’s lives through better connectivity, education, healthcare, sustainable development and economic opportunities. While nations naturally pursue their strategic interests, ensuring that these relationships remain transparent, inclusive and centred on regional well-being will be vital for lasting peace and prosperity.
As India expands its engagement across the Indian Ocean, how can regional partnerships be shaped to benefit both national security and the everyday lives of people living along its shores?
प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी ने सेशेल्स यात्रा के दौरान संयुक्त प्रेस वार्ता में कहा, "मेरी सेशल्स की यात्रा का संदेश स्पष्ट है। भारत ऐसे हिंद महासागर की कल्पना करता है, जहां समुद्री सुरक्षा के साथ आर्थिक समृद्धि भी बढ़े।
— आकाशवाणी समाचार (@AIRNewsHindi) June 28, 2026
जहां हमारी साझेदारी आकार नहीं, बल्कि आपसी सम्मान और विश्वास… pic.twitter.com/wVbv21fTHv
