Victoria (Seychelles)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday outlined India’s vision for transforming the Indian Ocean into an “Ocean of Opportunity,” where maritime security, sustainable development and economic prosperity advance together through partnerships founded on mutual trust rather than geopolitical influence.
Speaking alongside Seychelles President Patrick Herminie after bilateral and delegation-level talks in Victoria, Modi said India views the Indian Ocean as a shared space whose peace, security and prosperity are collective responsibilities. He stressed that New Delhi’s engagement with island nations is driven by cooperation, equality and long-term development.
“The Indian Ocean is our shared home. Its security, sustainability and prosperity are our shared responsibility. This principle forms the foundation of India’s MAHASAGAR vision,” the Prime Minister said.
He added that India seeks an Indian Ocean region where maritime security complements economic growth, and where countries move forward together based on mutual respect rather than differences in size or influence.
“Our vision is to transform the Indian Ocean into an Ocean of Opportunity,” Modi said, describing the region as central to India’s strategic and economic engagement with the Global South.
Roadmap for Future Cooperation
The Prime Minister said both countries reaffirmed their commitment to the Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL), adopted during President Herminie’s State Visit to India in February this year.
According to Modi, the framework provides a comprehensive roadmap for expanding cooperation across sectors including trade, investment, connectivity, technology, healthcare, agriculture and maritime security.
He noted that both governments discussed ways to build more resilient and future-ready economic ties by encouraging greater collaboration between industries in India and Seychelles.
Focus on Trade and Connectivity
Recognising Seychelles’ strategic location in the western Indian Ocean, Modi highlighted the importance of improving connectivity between the two nations to facilitate trade, tourism and investment.
He said enhanced transport and logistics links would not only strengthen bilateral commerce but also improve India’s engagement with East Africa and the wider Indian Ocean region, reinforcing regional supply chains and economic integration.
Digital Partnership Takes Centre Stage
Digital cooperation emerged as another major pillar of the expanding partnership.
Modi announced that India would share its experience in developing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) with Seychelles, describing digital technology as an effective tool for bridging geographical distances and promoting inclusive growth.
A significant outcome of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for implementing India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Seychelles, a move expected to facilitate seamless digital transactions, support tourism and strengthen financial connectivity between the two countries.
The initiative adds Seychelles to the growing list of countries adopting India’s digital payment ecosystem, reflecting New Delhi’s efforts to internationalise its fintech infrastructure.
Multiple Agreements Signed
The two sides also exchanged several Memorandums of Understanding covering healthcare, agriculture, digital technology, economic cooperation and other priority sectors.
The agreements are expected to broaden bilateral engagement while creating new opportunities for investment, capacity building, technology transfer and sustainable development.
Ceremonial Welcome
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi received a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the State House in Victoria before holding formal talks with President Herminie.
The leaders also participated in official ceremonies highlighting the longstanding diplomatic relationship between India and Seychelles, which has steadily expanded from development cooperation to strategic and maritime collaboration.
Golden Jubilee Celebrations
Prime Minister Modi is on a three-day State Visit to Seychelles from June 27 to 29 and is attending the country’s Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Seychelles’ Independence.
The visit underscores India’s growing engagement with Indian Ocean island nations as New Delhi seeks to strengthen maritime partnerships, enhance regional connectivity and deepen economic cooperation across the Indo-Pacific. with inputs from Prasar Bahrati