India announces $175 million special economic package for Seychelles, signs 7 MoUs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a Special Economic Package worth $175 million for Seychelles, covering sectors such as social housing, e-mobility, vocational training, health, defence, and maritime security.

The announcement was made during a joint press meet in New Delhi after talks with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie. The two countries also signed seven Memoranda of Understanding across areas including health, meteorology, electronics and information technology, and good governance.

Among the agreements is a pact for technical and scientific cooperation between the India Meteorological Department and the Seychelles Meteorological Authority. Prime Minister Modi said India and Seychelles are linked not only by geography but also by history, trust, and a shared vision for the future. He noted that as a maritime neighbour and trusted partner, Seychelles holds a special place in India’s Vision MAHASAGAR, which focuses on mutual and holistic advancement for security and growth across regions.

Welcoming the MoU on training Seychellois civil servants in India, the Prime Minister said India would also share its experience in digital governance under the digital transformation agreement. In the health sector, he described India as a long-standing and reliable partner, highlighting cooperation in affordable medicines, medical tourism, and health infrastructure development.

President Herminie said his visit reflected the deep-rooted friendship and mutual respect between the two countries. He noted that both sides share a common vision for cooperation over the next five years, with maritime security and regional stability remaining central to the partnership as Indian Ocean states. He also welcomed the MoU on sharing India’s successful digital solutions to support Seychelles’ digital transformation.

This is President Herminie’s first visit to India since assuming office in October last year. The visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Seychelles is a key maritime neighbour for India in the Indian Ocean region and is central to India’s engagement with the Global South.

Later in the day, President Herminie is scheduled to meet Droupadi Murmu and Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan.