Explained: What the SESEL Joint Vision Means for India-Seychelles Relations

India and Seychelles have taken a major step towards deepening their bilateral partnership by adopting a Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL) and signing a series of key agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation across critical sectors. The outcomes of the high-level talks reflect a shared commitment to long-term development, regional stability, and people-centric growth in the Indian Ocean region.

Renewing a Time-Tested Maritime Partnership

The agreements were finalised during the state visit of Seychelles President Patrick Herminie to India, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit, coming just months after Herminie’s inauguration and coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Seychelles’ independence and diplomatic ties with India, carried strong symbolic significance.

During their discussions, both leaders reaffirmed the historic bonds between the two nations, rooted in shared democratic values, cultural links, and maritime proximity. Prime Minister Modi congratulated President Herminie on his electoral victory and underlined the importance of sustained political engagement.

The leaders described India-Seychelles ties as people-focused and essential for maintaining peace and stability in the Western Indian Ocean, an increasingly strategic maritime region.

Wide-Ranging Agreements and Development Support

As part of the visit, seven Memoranda of Understanding were signed, covering health cooperation, meteorology, digital transformation, cultural exchange, ocean research, capacity-building for civil servants, and food procurement. These agreements are expected to strengthen institutional links and promote knowledge sharing between the two countries.

A major highlight was India’s announcement of a USD 175 million Special Economic Package for Seychelles. This includes a rupee-denominated Line of Credit and grant assistance to support public housing, infrastructure development, mobility, maritime security, and skill enhancement.

India also extended several forms of material and technical assistance, including the refit of a patrol vessel for the Seychelles Coast Guard, the gifting of ambulances and utility vehicles, supply of food grains and lentils, and the transfer of Laser Radial class boats to the Seychelles Defence Force. The establishment of a Seychelles Hydrographic Unit with Indian support will further enhance maritime safety and research capabilities.

Together, these initiatives aim to strengthen Seychelles’ development capacity while reinforcing India’s role as a key regional partner.

SESEL Vision and Regional Strategic Outlook

Central to the visit was the adoption of the SESEL Joint Vision, which lays out a roadmap for cooperation in sustainable development, economic growth, and security. Both leaders emphasised closer collaboration in areas such as renewable energy, blue economy, digital governance, healthcare, and maritime surveillance.

Prime Minister Modi reiterated Seychelles’ importance within India’s Vision MAHASAGAR, which seeks mutual and holistic advancement for security and growth across regions. President Herminie, in turn, described India as a trusted and reliable partner and expressed gratitude for its long-standing support.

The Ministry of External Affairs noted that the SESEL framework reflects a shared resolve to promote prosperity and stability in the Indian Ocean region. By aligning national development priorities with regional security goals, both countries aim to build a resilient and future-ready partnership.

With new agreements in place and substantial financial and technical support announced, the India-Seychelles relationship is entering a new phase marked by deeper strategic coordination and sustainable cooperation.

(With inputs from ANI)