India, Seychelles Adopt Joint Vision SESEL to Deepen Ties During Presidential Visit

President Droupadi Murmu hosted Seychelles President Patrick Herminie on his first state visit to India, emphasizing deep-rooted ties. The leaders adopted the India-Seychelles Joint Vision for SESEL, focusing on sustainability, growth, and security. A major outcome was the announcement of a $175 million Special Economic Package for Seychelles, comprising credit and grant assistance. The visit, coinciding with 50 years of Seychelles' independence and diplomatic relations with India, also saw the signing of seven MoUs across sectors like health and maritime cooperation.

Key Points: India-Seychelles Adopt Joint Vision, Announce $175M Package

  • Adopted India-Seychelles Joint Vision SESEL
  • Announced $175M Special Economic Package
  • Signed seven key MoUs
  • Aim to deepen cooperation in health, infrastructure, defence
  • Celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations
3 min read

President Murmu hosts Seychelles President, says Joint Vision provides strong foundation for bilateral ties

Presidents Murmu and Herminie strengthen bilateral ties, adopting the SESEL Joint Vision and a $175M Special Economic Package for cooperation.

"India remains ever ready to meet Seychelles' developmental and security needs. - President Droupadi Murmu"

New Delhi, February 10

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday received Seychelles President Patrick Herminie at Rashtrapati Bhavan and hosted a banquet in his honour.

During the discussions, the two leaders underscored the immense potential to further deepen bilateral cooperation, with President Murmu noting that the newly adopted India-Seychelles Joint Vision for "Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL)" provides a strong foundation for collaboration in the years ahead.

Welcoming President Herminie on his first State visit to India, President Murmu noted that India-Seychelles relations are rooted in mutual trust, respect, and a shared commitment to democracy and pluralism.

She emphasised the deep cultural links and historical connections between the two nations, noting that the Indian Ocean waves bind the peoples of both countries.

"President Droupadi Murmu received President Patrick Herminie of Seychelles at Rashtrapati Bhavan and hosted a banquet in his honour. The two leaders agreed that there is immense potential to further deepen the bilateral cooperation and that the "India-Seychelles Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages" will provide a strong foundation for cooperation in the years ahead," the Rashtrapati Bhavan stated in a post on X.

President Murmu said that the visit is particularly significant as Seychelles celebrates 50 years of independence, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of India-Seychelles diplomatic relations.

She added that Seychelles holds a key place in India's MAHASAGAR Vision, which aims to strengthen cooperation through trade for development, capacity building, and mutual security. "India remains ever ready to meet Seychelles' developmental and security needs," she affirmed.

President Murmu expressed confidence that the Special Economic Package announced during the visit will provide fresh momentum to India-Seychelles cooperation across priority sectors, including health, infrastructure, education, defence, and capacity building.

Both leaders agreed on the vast potential to further enhance bilateral ties and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region.

Earlier today, India and Seychelles adopted the Joint Vision for SESEL and announced and signed a series of key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements covering health, maritime cooperation, digital transformation, capacity-building and cultural exchange.

According to the statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), PM Modi and President Herminie held comprehensive discussions on the full spectrum of bilateral relations today, during which both leaders reaffirmed that as close maritime neighbours, both nations share a special and time-tested partnership rooted in history, kinship and shared democratic values.

The Prime Minister also congratulated President Herminie on his victory in the October 2025 elections.

His visit is scheduled for around 100 days after Herminie's inauguration in the island nation.

As part of the visit, seven MoUs were signed, and several major announcements were also made.

PM Modi also announced a Special Economic Package of USD 175 million for Seychelles, comprising USD 125 million in a rupee-denominated Line of Credit (LOC) and USD 50 million in grant assistance, the MEA stated.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's heartening to see our President hosting such dignitaries. The focus on sustainability and security through SESEL is a forward-thinking approach. Hope this leads to more people-to-people connections and tourism opportunities.
R
Rohit P
$175 million is a significant package. While I support helping our maritime neighbours, I hope there is strict accountability on how these funds are utilized. We've seen mixed results with such lines of credit in the past. The intent is good, but execution is key.
S
Sarah B
The cultural and historical links mentioned are so interesting. The Indian Ocean truly connects us. Collaborations in digital transformation and health could be a game-changer for the region. Well done on the diplomatic front.
K
Karthik V
Good strategic move. In the current global scenario, having strong partners in the Indian Ocean Region is vital for our national security. The defence and maritime cooperation MoUs are the most important part of this visit, hands down.
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Nisha Z
Celebrating 50 years together! That's a milestone. I appreciate that the partnership is framed around mutual trust and shared democratic values, not just aid. Makes it more sustainable. Hoping for more student exchanges and cultural festivals.

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