PM Modi’s Seychelles visit: Strategic Indian Ocean partner at the heart of maritime security push

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Seychelles from June 27 to 29 marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the island nation in 11 years and comes at a time when the western Indian Ocean is gaining increasing strategic importance.

The visit coincides with two major milestones — the 50th anniversary of Seychelles’ independence and the golden jubilee of India-Seychelles diplomatic ties. Modi is expected to attend Seychelles’ National Day celebrations and address an Extraordinary Sitting of its National Assembly.

The rapid exchange of high-level visits, including Seychelles President Patrick Herminie’s State Visit to India in February 2026, reflects growing political momentum and a deepening strategic partnership.

India’s engagement with Seychelles dates back to the early years of the island nation’s independence. The relationship has since expanded from traditional development assistance to a broader partnership covering maritime security, infrastructure, renewable energy, digital governance and the blue economy.

Over the years, Indian Lines of Credit have supported projects in transport, judicial infrastructure, renewable energy and community development. Capacity-building programmes under India’s technical cooperation initiatives have trained thousands of Seychellois citizens.

During President Herminie’s India visit, New Delhi announced a special economic package of $175 million for Seychelles. The two countries also adopted Joint Vision SESEL — a roadmap focused on sustainability, economic growth and security through stronger cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, healthcare, digital systems and maritime surveillance.

Seychelles’ importance extends beyond its size. The 115-island archipelago has an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of around 1.3 million square kilometres and has emerged as a global advocate for ocean conservation.

The country pioneered innovative environmental initiatives, including becoming the first nation to issue a sovereign Blue Bond in 2018 to finance marine conservation projects. A debt-for-nature swap also helped Seychelles protect a significant portion of its ocean territory from harmful activities.

For India, Seychelles is a key partner in maintaining stability in the western Indian Ocean. The island nation lies close to important maritime routes near the Mozambique Channel, where major trade and energy flows pass.

With limited surveillance resources, Seychelles has relied on India for support against piracy, illegal fishing, drug trafficking and other maritime threats.

A major highlight of Modi’s visit will be the handover of a Fast Patrol Vessel to the Seychelles Coast Guard. India has previously provided Dornier maritime patrol aircraft, patrol vessels and defence personnel support to strengthen Seychelles’ maritime capabilities.

Defence cooperation has grown steadily, with the latest edition of Exercise LAMITYE being upgraded to a tri-service format. Seychelles has also participated in Indian-led maritime exercises and expressed interest in joining the Colombo Security Conclave as a full member.

The partnership aligns with India’s Vision MAHASAGAR, which places smaller island nations at the centre of regional maritime cooperation. As challenges such as piracy, climate change, illegal fishing and organised crime increase in the Indian Ocean, India sees countries like Seychelles as natural partners.

Beyond strategy and security, the relationship is also supported by strong people-to-people connections. The Indian-origin community in Seychelles, along with thousands of Indian nationals living there, has helped strengthen cultural and economic ties.

As competition grows in the Indian Ocean region, India’s influence will depend on sustained partnerships rather than short-term engagement. Seychelles represents one of New Delhi’s closest examples of a long-term, trust-based relationship built over five decades.