Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday announced a $175 million Special Economic Package for Seychelles, describing development cooperation as the “strong foundation” of India–Seychelles relations. The announcement was made during a joint press conference with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie at Hyderabad House in New Delhi after their bilateral talks.

PM Modi said the package is designed in line with Seychelles’ priorities and will support concrete projects in key areas such as social housing, e-mobility, vocational training, healthcare, defence, and maritime security. He stressed that these initiatives would generate employment, strengthen local skills, and create new opportunities for Seychellois youth.

Highlighting India’s role in capacity building, the Prime Minister noted that the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme has significantly benefited Seychelles. He welcomed the signing of a new MoU for training Seychellois civil servants in India, calling it an important step toward deeper institutional collaboration.

PM Modi also underscored the intent to expand economic ties through fintech, digital public infrastructure, and trade in local currencies, signalling a more integrated financial and technological partnership between the two nations.

Reflecting on historical ties, he said that India and Seychelles are bound not just by geography but by centuries of maritime, cultural, and commercial interaction across the Indian Ocean. Trade, cultural exchange, and shared traditions have strengthened mutual trust over time, he added.

Reaffirming Seychelles’ strategic importance, Modi described the island nation as a key pillar of India’s Vision MAHASAGAR, which seeks collective security, sustainable growth, and regional cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. He said India-Seychelles cooperation now spans land, sea, and air, reflecting a truly comprehensive partnership.

Welcoming President Herminie on his first official visit to India since assuming office, Modi noted the significance of the timing—coinciding with Seychelles’ 50th Independence Day and the 50th anniversary of India–Seychelles diplomatic relations. He expressed confidence that these milestones would further elevate bilateral ties in the years ahead.

The visit, he said, marks a new chapter in a partnership rooted in trust, shared values, and a common vision for a stable, secure, and prosperous Indian Ocean region.