New Delhi, Feb 9 (UNI) India on Monday announced a Special Economic Package of USD 175 million for Seychelles, underscoring a deepening strategic and developmental partnership between the two Indian Ocean nations, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi said bilateral ties go “far beyond mere diplomatic engagement”.
Addressing a joint press meet with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie, Prime Minister Modi said the relationship between the two countries was rooted in centuries of shared history, trade and people-to-people contact shaped by the Indian Ocean.
“For centuries, the waves of the Indian Ocean have connected our peoples. Along its shores, trade flourished, cultures intertwined, and traditions of trust grew stronger,” Modi said, adding that India and Seychelles were connected “not just by geography, but by history, trust and a shared vision for the future”.
Announcing the USD 175 million Special Economic Package, the Prime Minister said development cooperation had been the cornerstone of India–Seychelles relations. “Development partnership has been a strong foundation of India–Seychelles relations. All our efforts have been guided by Seychelles’ priorities and needs,” he said.
According to Modi, the newly announced package will support “concrete projects” across key sectors, including social housing, e-mobility, vocational training, health, defence, and maritime security, reflecting India’s focus on capacity-building and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean region.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of India’s broader engagement with island nations in the Indian Ocean, where New Delhi has sought to position itself as a reliable development partner while enhancing maritime cooperation and regional security.
Highlighting the human dimension of bilateral ties, Modi said people-to-people relations formed the strongest pillar of India–Seychelles friendship. “The greatest strength of India–Seychelles relations lies in our people-to-people ties,” he said.
He also acknowledged the role of the Indian diaspora in Seychelles, noting that the community had made “a notable contribution to the country’s social and economic life” while strengthening bilateral bonds across generations.
The visit and the announcements made during the joint press meet signal India’s continued emphasis on strengthening partnerships with key Indian Ocean neighbours through development assistance, cultural links and strategic cooperation.
