Indian High Commissioner to Seychelles, Rohit Rathish, has described Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming two-day State Visit to the island nation as a landmark moment in bilateral relations. Speaking ahead of the visit, Rathish said, "It is a historic milestone for both the countries."
Deep-Rooted Historical Ties
Rathish highlighted the longstanding relationship between India and Seychelles, noting that the two nations share deep historical, cultural, and democratic bonds. "India and Seychelles enjoy very deep-rooted and historic ties with cultural affinities. We inhabit a shared region and also share the values of democracy and the rule of law. These are the anchors of our bilateral partnership," he said.
The High Commissioner emphasized that the relationship predates formal diplomatic ties by centuries. "Our destinies have been intertwined for 250 years. The bilateral partnership, the diplomatic relations, are but the latest chapter in this relationship," Rathish stated.
Expected Outcomes and Projects
Expressing optimism about the visit, Rathish said both countries are looking to elevate cooperation further. "We look forward to an intense period of bilateral relations, building upon our deep-rooted and historic ties and taking them to new heights," he said. The visit is expected to witness the inauguration of several India-assisted projects spanning civilian infrastructure and defence cooperation. "We are looking to hopefully inaugurate a few of the projects in both the civilian side as well as on the defence and security aspects as well," Rathish added.
Strategic and Security Cooperation
Underscoring the strategic dimension, Rathish said the visit would provide fresh momentum to security cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. "With this visit, I think we will see a greater impetus on defence and security," he added.
Schedule and Activities
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to embark on a State visit to Seychelles from June 27-29 to participate in the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the nation's National Day on June 29 as the Guest of Honour. The visit follows an invitation extended by Seychelles President Patrick Herminie. According to an official statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), PM Modi will hold high-level discussions with President Herminie to review the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation and exchange perspectives on regional and global issues of mutual significance. Additionally, PM Modi is slated to address the Seychelles National Assembly and engage with members of the Indian diaspora.
India's Vision MAHASAGAR
The MEA statement noted, "India and Seychelles share a longstanding partnership rooted in shared historical, cultural and people-to-people ties. As a key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean region, Seychelles holds a special place in India's Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and our commitment to the Global South." The statement added that the Prime Minister's upcoming visit will reaffirm the robust and enduring friendship between the two nations, while reinforcing their joint commitment to elevate the bilateral partnership across all sectors.
Recent Diplomatic Engagement
Earlier in April, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met his Seychelles counterpart, Barry Faure, on the margins of the 9th Indian Ocean Conference in Mauritius, where he reiterated New Delhi's resolve to assist Victoria in navigating its prevailing economic challenges.
