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Seychelles President Patrick Herminie Visits India to Boost 50-Year Ties

President Patrick Herminie of Seychelles will undertake a State Visit to India from February 5 to 10 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations and will feature high-level discussions on mutual interests. President Herminie will also attend business events in Chennai and Mumbai to strengthen economic cooperation. The visit aims to build on historical ties and advance shared security and growth objectives in the Indian Ocean region.

Key Points: Seychelles President Patrick Herminie State Visit to India

  • First visit since taking office
  • 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties
  • Talks on bilateral & global issues
  • Business events in Chennai & Mumbai
  • Part of India's Vision MAHASAGAR
2 min read

President of Seychelles to visit India this month

President Patrick Herminie of Seychelles visits India from Feb 5-10 for talks with PM Modi, marking 50 years of diplomatic relations.

"Seychelles is a key maritime neighbour for India in the Indian Ocean region - Official MEA brief"

New Delhi, February 2

At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Patrick Herminie, the President of the Republic of Seychelles, will undertake a State Visit to India from February 5 to 10.

This will be President Herminie's first visit to India since assuming office last October. The visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

During his visit to India, President Herminie will meet the President and hold discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest.

President Herminie will also visit Chennai and Mumbai where he would be attending business events.

"Seychelles is a key maritime neighbour for India in the Indian Ocean region and holds a special place in India's Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and our commitment to the Global South," the official MEA brief said.

"The visit of President Herminie to India, following the visit of the Vice President of India to Seychelles in October 2025, is expected to lend further momentum to wide-ranging cooperation and robust people to people ties between the two countries," the statement read further.

India's bilateral engagement with Seychelles is characterized by our historical contacts and continuous support to Seychelles for its security. Today, India-Seychelles relations embody close friendship, understanding and cooperation.

It was in the year 1770 that a small group of five Indians landed in Seychelles as plantation workers along with seven African slaves and 15 French colonists, and were recorded as the first inhabitants of the Islands.

During the British colonial period, Seychelles was governed from the Bombay Presidency for some time, with regular shipping links and flow of goods and essential commodities from India.

These trade links facilitated migration of an Indian trading community looking for greener pastures having reached a saturation point in East Africa.

Diplomatic ties were established with Seychelles after its independence in 1976.

When Seychelles attained freedom on 29th June 1976, a contingent from the Indian Naval Ship, INS Nilgiri, took part in the Independence Day celebrations. The Indian Mission was established in 1979 in Victoria, with the High Commissioner based in Dar-es-Salaam and concurrently accredited to Seychelles.

The first resident High Commissioner was appointed in 1987, while Seychelles opened its resident mission in New Delhi in early 2008.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Very interesting to read about the deep historical connections, from the Bombay Presidency to the first Indian inhabitants. It's more than just diplomacy; it's shared history. Hope the business events in Chennai and Mumbai are fruitful.
P
Priya S
Good move by the government. Focusing on the Global South and our 'Neighbourhood First' policy is the right approach. Seychelles is strategically important. Let's hope this visit translates into concrete projects for mutual benefit.
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Rohit P
While these high-level visits are important, I hope the discussions also focus on tangible outcomes for common people - maybe easier tourism, student exchanges, or collaboration in renewable energy. The potential is huge.
M
Michael C
The part about INS Nilgiri participating in their independence celebrations is a powerful symbol of long-standing friendship. It's these gestures that build lasting partnerships. Wishing the President a productive visit.
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Kavya N
A respectful note: I hope our engagement is seen as a partnership of equals and not just strategic calculus. The article mentions "continuous support for its security," which is good, but the relationship should be mutually respectful and beyond just strategic interests.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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