NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said India envisions the Indian Ocean as an “ocean of opportunity” where maritime security goes hand in hand with economic prosperity, as India and Seychelles elevated their strategic partnership by signing nine agreements, including an extradition treaty.
Addressing a joint press interaction with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie after the wide-ranging talks, Modi said the Indian Ocean was a shared space whose security and prosperity depended on cooperation based on mutual trust rather than the size of nations.
“Our vision is to make the Indian Ocean an ocean of opportunity,” Modi said. "We believe the Indian Ocean is our shared home. Its security, sustainability and prosperity are our shared responsibility."
He said the approach formed the core of India's MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision. “We believe the defence and security of India and Seychelles are integral to each other.”
The two sides signed nine agreements spanning security, connectivity, health, agriculture, digital payments, maritime cooperation, space and capacity building. The key pact was an extradition treaty aimed at strengthening cooperation against cross-border crime.
On economic cooperation, Modi said both countries would continue exploring new opportunities for industry and investment while improving connectivity.
“We will continue to explore new opportunities for the industries of both our countries. Work will also be done to enhance connectivity between India and Seychelles,” he said and added that India would share its successful experience in digital public infrastructure with the island nation. President Herminie said maritime security remained central to bilateral ties, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to combating piracy, drug trafficking, illegal fishing and other forms of transnational crime.
He also said discussions were progressing on a special economic package worth USD 175 million for Seychelles.
Earlier in the day, Modi received a ceremonial welcome at the State House and was conferred Seychelles' highest honour for a foreign dignitary, the Special Presidential Distinction "Guardian of the Blue Horizon", in recognition of his leadership on sustainability, the Blue Economy, climate action and ocean governance. It is the first time the award has been conferred.
Accepting the honour, Modi dedicated it to all countries committed to environmental conservation and combating climate change, saying it would further strengthen the special friendship between India and Seychelles.
The agreements signed during the visit covered a wide range of sectors aimed at deepening strategic and development cooperation. Besides the extradition treaty, the two countries concluded pacts on the recognition and certification of seafarers, cooperation in agriculture and the Blue Economy, peaceful uses of outer space, preparations for a new Seychelles National Hospital, implementation of the Jan Aushadhi scheme through HLL Lifecare, and collaboration between the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service and Seychelles' Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The two sides also signed an umbrella Line of Credit agreement worth Rs 1,250 crore between the Government of Seychelles and the Export-Import Bank of India to finance development projects. Another agreement between NPCI International Payments Ltd and the Central Bank of Seychelles seeks to strengthen digital payments infrastructure.
Modi's visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries and Seychelles' Golden Jubilee of Independence. Prime Minister Modi will be the Guest of Honour at the National Day celebrations on Monday.
