Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Seychelles has laid the groundwork for expanding bilateral cooperation, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirming discussions on a possible Comprehensive Economic Partnershipenhanced shipping and aviation connectivity, and broader collaboration based on mutual trust rather than transactional interests.
Addressing the media in Victoria on Sunday, Misri said India and Seychelles had discussed the possibility of a comprehensive economic partnership despite relatively modest bilateral trade.
“Right now, the bilateral trade is not very large, but it would make sense, given the significance of specific economic activities to the economy of Seychelles, to explore this idea,” Misri said, adding that India would take the proposal back to the relevant authorities for further consideration.
Key Takeaways
- India and Seychelles discussed exploring a Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
- Both sides agreed to examine possibilities for dedicated shipping and aviation links.
- India described connectivity as a major priority following Prime Minister Modi’s visit.
- On Assumption IslandIndia reiterated that any cooperation would be guided by the priorities of the Seychelles government.
- Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said India-Seychelles ties are based on trust, respect and friendshipnot transactional interests.
Trade Partnership Under Consideration
Misri said the discussions reflected a shared interest in strengthening economic engagement between the two countries. While no formal agreement has been announced, he indicated that exploring a comprehensive economic partnership could unlock greater commercial opportunities and deepen bilateral trade.
He added that the achievements during Prime Minister Modi’s visit had already elevated the relationship, describing it as “a very, very substantive partnership.”
Connectivity Emerges as a Key Priority
Another major outcome of the visit was the emphasis on improving maritime and air connectivity between India and Seychelles.
Misri said both governments recognised the importance of dedicated shipping routes and direct aviation links to facilitate trade, tourism and people-to-people exchanges. While such services would ultimately depend on commercial operators, both sides agreed to engage with stakeholders in the shipping and aviation sectors to examine the feasibility of establishing these connections.
He described connectivity as a “major priority” and said both countries would work towards achieving tangible progress.
India Reaffirms Position on Assomption Island
Responding to questions on Assumption IslandMisri said the issue was not discussed during the current visit but reiterated India’s long-standing position that all overseas development, security and defence cooperation projects are guided by the priorities of the host nation.
He said India believes such initiatives should always align with the interests and wishes of the government and people of the partner country, adding that New Delhi would remain open to discussions should Seychelles raise the matter in the future.
Relationship Based on Trust and Friendship
Summing up the visit, Misri stressed that India-Seychelles relations are founded on mutual respect, trust and friendship rather than transactional considerations.
“These are not transactional relationships. These are relationships based on respect, trust and friendship,” he said, adding that if there was one expectation from Seychelles, it was simply “friendship.”
The visit reinforced India’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Seychelles across economic, maritime and strategic sectors while strengthening long-standing ties in the Indian Ocean region.
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