Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his State Visit to Seychelles on Sunday with a major package of development assistance, the launch of new bilateral initiatives, and the signing of nine agreements. The visit strengthened the strategic partnership between India and Seychelles. The agreements covered digital payments, healthcare, agriculture, maritime cooperation, space, infrastructure and security. The visit also highlighted India’s continued support for Seychelles’ development and expanded cooperation in several important sectors.

India announced a wide range of development assistance during the visit. The Indian government gifted a Fast Patrol Vessel to Seychelles to strengthen maritime security in the Indian Ocean. India also handed over 10 utility vehicles and five sets of Laser Radial class boats to the Seychelles Defence Force. The government provided six ambulances to Seychelles to improve healthcare services. India further supplied 500 metric tonnes of rice and 8,500 metric tonnes of cement to support the country’s development requirements.

Prime Minister Modi and Seychelles President Patrick Herminie jointly launched a commemorative logo to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The two leaders also virtually inaugurated the Professional and Technical Education Centre. They announced the successful refit of the Seychelles Coast Guard vessel PS Zoroaster and the upgrade of a Dornier aircraft with a modern glass cockpit. Seychelles also joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), showing its commitment to strengthening resilience against climate-related disasters.

India and Seychelles signed nine agreements to deepen institutional cooperation. The Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS) and Seychelles’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote diplomatic training, institutional exchanges and capacity building.

The visit also marked an important step in digital financial cooperation. NPCI International Payments Limited signed an MoU with the Central Bank of Seychelles to support the deployment of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) digital payment system in Seychelles. The agreement will also encourage broader cooperation in the digital payments ecosystem.

The two countries strengthened healthcare cooperation through an agreement between HLL Lifecare Limited and Seychelles’ Ministry of Health. The agreement will help export affordable generic medicines and medical supplies under India’s Jan Aushadhi scheme. Another government-level MoU created a framework for bilateral cooperation on the preliminary preparations for constructing Seychelles’ new National Hospital.

India and Seychelles also expanded agricultural cooperation. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Seychelles’ Agriculture Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding along with a work plan for 2026-2031. The agreement focuses on joint research, technical studies and training.

The two countries signed an Extradition Treaty to strengthen legal cooperation against transnational crime. The treaty will also make it easier to extradite fugitives. In the maritime sector, India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Seychelles’ Ministry of Transport, Ports and Civil Aviation signed an agreement to recognise the training and certification of Indian seafarers serving on Seychelles-flagged vessels.

India also signed an Umbrella Line of Credit Agreement through the Export-Import Bank of India to support Seychelles’ infrastructure projects. The financing framework will help implement projects under the Special Economic Package announced during President Patrick Herminie’s visit to India in February 2026.

The two countries expanded their partnership into the space sector by signing a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the exploration and peaceful uses of outer space. The agreement covers satellite applications, space technology and capacity building.

India and Seychelles share strong historical, cultural and maritime ties. India has remained one of Seychelles’ leading development partners for many years. It has supported projects in infrastructure, healthcare, education, defence and capacity building. The outcomes of Prime Minister Modi’s visit are expected to strengthen cooperation across strategic, economic and people-focused sectors. The visit also reinforces India’s engagement with island nations in the Indian Ocean region.

Prime Minister Modi also addressed an extraordinary sitting of the National Assembly of Seychelles, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. During his address, he highlighted the close relationship between the two countries. He spoke about their shared commitment to democracy and the rule of law. He also said that mutual trust has shaped a strong partnership in development cooperation, maritime security and capacity building.

At a time when island nations continue to face serious climate challenges, Modi stressed the need for greater global responsibility. He said, “The Global South, and especially the island nations, are the most impacted by climate change…We both firmly believe that those who have contributed the least to climate change should not bear the greatest burden of its consequences.” He further added, “Climate action must be guided by fairness, responsibility and equity. This is the essence of climate justice.”

The Prime Minister highlighted India’s efforts to promote sustainable development. He referred to India’s large-scale expansion of renewable energy and initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the Global Biofuels Alliance. He also spoke about India’s work with partner countries to support the green transition. He said, “Seychelles and India both seek a world where development is more inclusive. We both seek a world where international institutions reflect contemporary realities. We believe that our shared future must be shaped collectively, inclusively, and fairly.” He added that this approach has helped India place the priorities of the Global South at the centre of international discussions.

Modi recalled that Seychelles was the first Indian Ocean country he visited after becoming Prime Minister in 2015. It was also his first visit to Africa as Prime Minister. He said, “I came here because I believed that Seychelles occupies a special place in India’s vision for the Indian Ocean. Today, as I return here after a decade, that conviction is stronger than ever.” He also noted that the friendship between the two countries dates back to August 1770, when five Indians arrived at Saint Anne Island aboard the ship Thelemaque.

The Prime Minister also praised the growing defence and security partnership between the two countries. He said the defence forces, coast guards and maritime agencies of both nations continue to train and work closely together. He noted that the Seychelles Defence Force and Coast Guard play an important role in protecting the wider Indian Ocean region. He said that cooperation in maritime security, hydrography and maritime domain awareness reflects the shared commitment of both countries to maintain a safe and secure region.

Modi also highlighted India’s vision of MAHASAGAR, which stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. He said the initiative recognises that the futures of both countries are interconnected and interdependent. He added that India and Seychelles will continue working together for a safer and more secure Indian Ocean.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi received a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Seychelles' State House, marking another important moment during his visit.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Seychelles’ newly introduced “Guardian of the Blue Horizon” Presidential Distinction during his visit to the island nation. Seychelles presented the honour in recognition of his strong commitment to environmental conservation and his consistent support for the aspirations of Small Island Developing States. PM Modi became the first person to receive this prestigious award.

The Seychelles government created the new distinction only a few weeks before the Prime Minister’s visit. Earlier this month, the Parliament of Seychelles repealed the country's existing National Awards system. It also approved a new framework that introduced the Guardian of the Blue Horizon distinction as the nation’s highest honour.

After receiving the honour, Prime Minister Modi thanked the people and the government of Seychelles. He also expressed his gratitude to President Herminie for the recognition. In a post on social media, he said, “Grateful to the people and Government of Seychelles as well as President Herminie for conferring upon me the ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’.”