New Delhi, 30 June (H.S.): India and Seychelles on Tuesday signed a significant agreement to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the agricultural sector during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to Seychelles.

On the occasion, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Department of Agriculture under the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Blue Economy of the Republic of Seychelles exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a Joint Action Plan for 2026–2031 to enhance cooperation in agricultural research, education, and innovation.

The agreement aims to develop, promote, and accelerate collaboration between the two countries in agricultural research, education, training, and technical cooperation. It is expected to facilitate joint research projects in agricultural science and technology while encouraging the exchange of scientific expertise, technical knowledge, researchers, and specialists.

Under the 2026–2031 Joint Action Plan, both countries will work together across several areas of agriculture. These include the development and dissemination of modern agricultural technologies, capacity building for farmers, organisation of training programmes, technical studies, scientific collaboration, and strengthening agricultural education. The action plan is also expected to deepen long-term institutional partnerships between agricultural organisations in both countries.

The cooperation is regarded as an important step towards promoting sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient farming practices, efficient utilisation of natural resources, and enhanced food security. It is also expected to encourage innovation in agriculture while enabling farmers and agricultural scientists in both countries to benefit from modern technologies and best practices.

The agreement is in line with India's policy of strengthening development partnerships with countries of the Global South. It is also expected to further deepen the strategic and developmental partnership between India and Seychelles in the Indian Ocean region.

Through the 2026–2031 Joint Action Plan, both countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to sustainable agriculture, agricultural innovation, and food security. The initiative is being viewed as the beginning of a new chapter in long-term cooperation between India and Seychelles in the fields of agricultural research and education.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar