India and Seychelles announced a total of 19 agreements following discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Patrick Herminie on Sunday. This initiative aims to enhance cooperation across various sectors, including defence, maritime security, digital payments, space exploration, healthcare, agriculture, and education.

The outcome package was revealed at the conclusion of Modi’s three-day state visit, which reflects an ongoing effort to broaden the strategic partnership between India and the Indian Ocean island nation in areas of security, connectivity, capacity building, and development cooperation.

Among the key outcomes listed by the Ministry of External Affairs were the establishment of an extradition treaty, an agreement to collaborate on the peaceful uses of outer space, and the advancement of UPI-based digital payments in Seychelles. Additionally, an umbrella line of credit was agreed upon with the Export-Import Bank of India for various developmental projects.

Defence and Development Initiatives

In the domain of defence and security, the agreements included the gifting of a fast patrol vessel to Seychelles, the transfer of ten utility vehicles, and five Laser Radial class boats to the Seychelles Defence Force. The discussions also covered the completion of a refit for the PS Zoroaster, which is intended for the Seychelles Coast Guard, and an upgrade of a Dornier aircraft to incorporate a glass cockpit.

Further development initiatives ahead of the discussions included the provision of six ambulances, 500 metric tonnes of rice, and 8,500 metric tonnes of cement to support various humanitarian efforts in Seychelles. The two nations also launched a commemorative logo to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations and held a virtual ground-breaking ceremony for a Professional and Technical Education Centre.

Moreover, an agreement was signed between NPCI International Payments Ltd. and the Central Bank of Seychelles aimed at promoting UPI-based digital payments in the island nation, thereby fostering economic and technological collaboration.

Healthcare and Educational Agreements

To enhance healthcare access, a memorandum was signed between HLL Lifecare Ltd. and Seychelles’ health ministry under the Jan Aushadhi scheme, which plans to improve access to quality and affordable Indian medicines within Seychelles. Another agreement allows for preliminary preparations for constructing a new Seychelles National Hospital, further supporting the country’s healthcare framework.

The two governments also sealed agreements addressing diplomatic training through the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service and Seychelles’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora. Other areas of collaboration included research and education in agriculture, recognition of training and certification for seafarers on Seychelles-flagged vessels, and cooperation in space exploration and its peaceful applications.

Prime Minister Modi’s visit is at the invitation of President Herminie, who has designated him as the Guest of Honour for the country’s upcoming National Day celebrations. The recently signed agreements underscore a significant milestone coinciding with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles, marking extensive cooperation across multiple sectors including security, development, healthcare, education, and digital connectivity.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share