India Announces $175 Million Special Economic Package for Seychelles
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a joint press conference with Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan Herminie in Victoria on June 28, highlighted a $175 million Special Economic Package (SEP) announced earlier this year during President Herminie's visit to India. The package targets sectors including social housing, transport, skill development, food security, education, and defense.
PM Modi described development partnership as the 'defining feature' of India-Seychelles relations, emphasizing that India prioritizes the needs and aspirations of partner nations. 'Under this initiative, work is being carried out in sectors such as social housing, transport, skill development, food security, education, and defense,' he said.
Professional and Technical Centre to Boost Youth Skills
A virtual groundbreaking ceremony for a new Professional and Technical Centre in Seychelles was held during the visit. PM Modi expressed confidence that the centre will significantly enhance employability, skills, and self-confidence among Seychellois youth. 'Supporting human resource development in Seychelles has been a special priority for India,' he affirmed.
The centre is part of India's broader commitment to training Seychelles' civil servants and building local capacity. Modi noted that India is contributing to the training of Seychelles' civil servants, further strengthening human resource development.
Health Cooperation: Jan Aushadhi MoU Signed
Recalling India's support during the COVID-19 pandemic, including vaccine supplies, PM Modi underscored that the health partnership 'has stood the test of time.' A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the 'Jan Aushadhi' initiative was signed to provide quality and affordable medicines to the people of Seychelles. 'The MoU signed today regarding 'Jan Aushadhi' will help provide quality and affordable medicines to the people of Seychelles,' Modi stated.
India will continue efforts to strengthen medical care in Seychelles through capacity building and training, he added.
Strategic and Defence Cooperation: 'Inextricably Linked'
PM Modi affirmed that the defence and security of India and Seychelles are 'inextricably linked,' pledging continued close cooperation. Strategic cooperation remains a cornerstone of bilateral relations, with the agenda expanding to energy, climate action, Blue Economy, and space.
'Our cooperation in the fields of energy and climate action is also steadily growing,' Modi said, noting collaboration in clean energy including green hydrogen. On the Blue Economy, he stated, 'We will share India's expertise in ocean observation, marine science, and coastal management with Seychelles.'
Space and Digital Connectivity: UPI MoU Signed
An MoU on space cooperation was signed between the two sides. PM Modi welcomed the signing of an MoU to implement the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Seychelles, calling digital technology 'an effective means to bridge the distance between our two countries.' He added, 'We will share India's successful experiences in digital public infrastructure with Seychelles.'
Efforts to enhance connectivity between India and Seychelles will boost trade and strengthen ties with East Africa and the Indian Ocean region, Modi said.
Three-Day State Visit
PM Modi is on a three-day State Visit to Seychelles from June 27 to June 29 at the invitation of President Herminie. The visit underscores the deepening partnership between the two nations across multiple strategic and developmental domains.
