New Delhi, 09 February (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared on Monday during a joint press conference with Seychelles President Dr. Patrick Herminie at Hyderabad House that India-Seychelles relations—rooted in centuries of history, trust, and shared vision—transcend diplomacy to shape a prosperous Indian Ocean future.

PM Modi emphasized the duo's linkage beyond geography through ancient trade, cultural fusion, and enduring trust via Indian Ocean waves, positioning Seychelles as integral to India's Vision SAGAR across sea, land, and air.

Today's talks charted enhanced partnership paths, agreeing to explore fresh opportunities in local-currency trade, fintech, and digital solutions. Modi announced a $175 million Special Economic Package targeting social housing, electric mobility, vocational training, health, defense, and maritime security—tailored to Seychelles' priorities for youth jobs and skills.

India's ITEC program bolsters Seychelles' civil servants via a new training MoU. Digital transformation accords enable sharing India's successes, while health collaboration supplies affordable drugs, boosts medical tourism, and upgrades infrastructure.

Energy and climate ties prioritize renewables, resilient solutions; Blue Economy leverages marine research, capacity, data sharing. Defense and maritime security pillars welcome Seychelles as full Colombo Security Conclave member, fortifying regional peace.

Strongest strength lies in diaspora bonds; tourism, education, culture, sports, and youth exchanges will deepen ties.Joint Vision RoadmapThe meeting heralds a new phase, unveiling the India-Seychelles Joint Vision as a multi-year cooperation blueprint.

President Herminie hailed the visit amid dual golden jubilees—Seychelles' independence and bilateral ties—inviting Modi as chief guest to celebrations. Priorities encompassed infrastructure, investments, sustainable transport, climate resilience, electric mobility, and India's health diplomacy via expertise sharing and MoUs.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar