India increased strategic steps in the Indian Ocean region, many important agreements with Seychelles

• Development projects will get new momentum with the economic package of 175 million dollars

New Delhi. Giving new strength to India’s strategic presence in the Indian Ocean region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Seychelles President Dr. Patrick Herminie held wide-ranging bilateral talks on Sunday. During this period, many important agreements were agreed between the two countries including digital payments, health, maritime security, agriculture, space, legal cooperation and development partnership. On this occasion, the Government of Seychelles honored Prime Minister Modi with the country’s highest civilian honor ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’, which he dedicated to the 140 crore Indians and all the countries struggling with climate change.

In the talks held at the State House, the two leaders reiterated their shared commitment to peace, stability, prosperity and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean region. Prime Minister Modi said that India envisions an Indian Ocean where maritime security and economic prosperity go hand in hand and partnerships between countries develop not on the basis of power or size, but on the basis of trust, respect and equality.

During the meeting both the countries exchanged several important MoUs. These include agreements to implement India’s digital payment system UPI in Seychelles, increase availability of quality and affordable medicines through Jan Aushadhi Scheme, expand maritime cooperation, health services, agriculture, capacity building, space cooperation and legal cooperation. It was also agreed to improve connectivity facilities between the two countries.

The two leaders reviewed the progress on decisions taken during President Harmini’s visit to India this year. In particular, satisfaction was expressed at the ongoing development projects under the special economic package of US$ 175 million. A commemorative logo was also jointly unveiled to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles. Apart from this, both the leaders participated in the program of laying the foundation stone of Professional and Technical Education Center through virtual medium.

In a joint press statement, Prime Minister Modi said that the Jan Aushadhi Agreement will provide better quality affordable medicines to the citizens of Seychelles, while the implementation of the UPI system will give a new impetus to digital transactions and business activities. He also said that work will be done rapidly to increase connectivity between the two countries, which will further strengthen tourism, trade and people-to-people ties.

After receiving the highest civilian honour, Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude to President Hermine, the Government of Seychelles and the people there. He said that this honor is not just an individual achievement, but also a recognition of India’s global approach towards environmental protection and sustainable development.

Dedicating it to all countries struggling against climate change, he said India is committed to building a green and sustainable future through initiatives like ‘Mission Life’, International Solar Alliance and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. This visit once again made it clear that India’s role in the Indian Ocean region is becoming not only that of a strategic partner but also that of a reliable development partner.