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Jaishankar Meets Seychelles FM, Reaffirms India's $175M Economic Support

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Seychelles Foreign Minister Barry Faure in Mauritius, reinforcing India's commitment to supporting Seychelles's economy. The meeting highlighted the ongoing implementation of a $175 million Special Economic Package, which includes grants and a line of credit. This follows India's recent shipment of 250 metric tonnes of food grains as immediate assistance. The partnership focuses on digital infrastructure, maritime security, and sustainable development as per a joint vision adopted earlier this year.

Key Points: India Commits $175M Support to Seychelles in Key Meeting

  • $175M Special Economic Package announced
  • 250 MT food grains delivered to Seychelles
  • Talks held at Indian Ocean Conference
  • Focus on digital transformation & security
  • Bilateral ties reviewed with Mauritius
3 min read

EAM Jaishankar, Seychelles counterpart Faure hold talks in Mauritius

EAM Jaishankar meets Seychelles FM Barry Faure, reaffirming India's $175 million Special Economic Package and food grain aid to support the island nation.

"India is committed to supporting Seychelles in meeting current economic challenges. - S Jaishankar"

Port Louis, April 10

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his Seychelles counterpart Barry Faure on the sidelines of 9th Indian Ocean Conference in Mauritius on Friday, expressing New Delhi's commitment to supporting Victoria in meeting current economic challenges.

"Great meeting FM Barry Faure of Seychelles on the sidelines of 9th Indian Ocean Conference. India is committed to supporting Seychelles in meeting current economic challenges. Welcomed the steps in implementing the Special Economic Package," EAM Jaishankar posted on X.

EAM Jaishankar is on an official visit to Mauritius, where he is attending the 9th Indian Ocean Conference and also holding discussions with counterparts from other participating nations. He is also meeting Mauritius leadership to review the entire spectrum of bilateral ties.

On Tuesday, India sent a consignment of 250 metric tonnes of food grains to Seychelles, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced while adding that New Delhi will be sending more assistance to the country as part of its USD 175 million Special Economic Package.

"A consignment of 250 MT foodgrains sent to Seychelles. More to follow under the USD 175 million Special Economic Package committed to Seychelles," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X.

In February, during his State Visit to India, Seychelles President Patrick Herminie had acknowledged New Delhi's support for the development, security needs and aspirations of the archipelagic island nation through Lines of Credit (LoCs), grants, capacity building and High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP).

Herminie met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on February 9 and the two leaders held discussions covering entire spectrum of bilateral relations, agreeing to also work closely in digital transformation. Noting the need for Seychelles to digitise governance for the benefit of its people, India agreed to make efforts on the buildout of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), including digital payments, as per the needs and requirements of Seychelles.

According to the 'Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages' (SESEL) adopted by both countries, PM Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to remaining a reliable partner in national development agenda of Seychelles, with a focus on sustainability, defence, maritime security, capacity building, resilience and inclusive growth.

"Reaffirming their commitment to work closely to expand and intensify the people-centric development partnership between the two countries, India announced a 'Special Economic Package' of USD 175 million, which will include a blended financial assistance of USD 125 million in Rupee-denominated Line of Credit and USD 50 million in Grant assistance for development cooperation projects, capacity building for civilians and defence officials, maritime security, etc," the statement detailed.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While I appreciate the strategic outreach, I hope the $175 million package is implemented transparently and benefits the people of Seychelles directly. Sometimes these large aid packages get lost in bureaucracy. The food grain shipment is a good, tangible start though.
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Priya S
Jaishankar Sir is doing excellent work! It's heartening to see India step up as a reliable partner. Sending food grains shows we care about immediate needs, while the economic package builds long-term capacity. This is true 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (world is one family) in action.
R
Rohit P
Good move strategically. The Indian Ocean is our backyard and we must have strong relationships with all island nations. Countering other influences is important, but the focus should genuinely be on mutual development. The rupee-denominated line of credit is a clever detail.
K
Kavya N
As an Indian, I'm proud but also curious. How does this help the common person here? I hope such partnerships also open doors for our businesses and create opportunities for Indian professionals. The digital collaboration mentioned could be a big export for our tech sector.
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Michael C
Interesting to see India's growing role as a development partner. The blended finance approach (loan + grant) seems practical. Hope the capacity building includes exchange programs for students and young leaders from Seychelles to study in India.

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