- Prime Minister conferred Seychelles’ inaugural ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’ Presidential Distinction for championing climate action, Blue Economy and sustainable development
- India and Seychelles unveil 19 landmark initiatives spanning defence, maritime security, digital payments, healthcare, space, education and development partnership
- Strategic Indian Ocean partnership deepens with defence assets, infrastructure projects, UPI rollout and capacity-building initiatives
- Agreements coincide with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, reinforcing New Delhi’s role as a trusted development and security partner
- Modi dedicates the prestigious honour to all nations working for environmental conservation and the global fight against climate change.
NE NEWS SERVICE
VICTORIA (SEYCHELLES), NEW DELHI, JUNE 28
India and Seychelles on Sunday elevated their strategic partnership to a new level by unveiling 19 wide-ranging bilateral initiatives following delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Patrick Herminie, while the Indian leader was conferred the country’s highest-ever environmental distinction for his global leadership in sustainability and the Blue Economy.
The comprehensive package of agreements significantly broadens cooperation between the two Indian Ocean nations across defence, maritime security, digital payments, healthcare, space, education, agriculture, capacity building and development partnership, underscoring India’s expanding strategic footprint in the region.
The outcomes, announced during Modi’s three-day State Visit coinciding with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, include an Extradition Treaty, an agreement on the peaceful uses of outer space, introduction of UPI-based digital payments in Seychelles, an umbrella Line of Credit agreement through the Export-Import Bank of India, and preliminary preparations for the construction of a new Seychelles National Hospital.
Further strengthening maritime cooperation, India announced the gifting of a Fast Patrol Vessel, handed over 10 utility vehicles and five Laser Radial class boats to the Seychelles Defence Force, completed the refit of PS Zoroaster for the Seychelles Coast Guard, and upgraded a Dornier aircraft with a modern glass cockpit.
Development assistance also featured prominently, with India handing over six ambulances, 500 metric tonnes of rice and 8,500 metric tonnes of cement, besides launching a commemorative logo marking five decades of diplomatic ties and virtually inaugurating the construction of a Professional and Technical Education Centre.
In another significant step towards digital and financial connectivity, NPCI International Payments Ltd. and the Central Bank of Seychelles signed an agreement to introduce UPI-based digital payments, deepening economic integration and technological cooperation.
Healthcare collaboration received a major boost through an agreement between HLL Lifecare Ltd. and Seychelles’ Ministry of Health under the Jan Aushadhi initiative to facilitate access to affordable, high-quality Indian medicines. Another memorandum provides the framework for preliminary work on the proposed Seychelles National Hospital.
The two sides also signed agreements covering diplomatic training, agricultural research and education, recognition of training and certification of seafarers, and cooperation in space exploration and peaceful uses of outer space, reflecting the growing breadth of bilateral engagement.
Modi Conferred ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’
In a highlight of the visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’ Presidential Distinction, the highest honour instituted by Seychelles for outstanding contributions towards environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
The distinction recognises Modi’s global leadership in advancing the Blue Economy, climate action, sustainable management of ocean resources, the aspirations of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and his enduring commitment to a greener planet. Notably, it is the first time the prestigious honour has been bestowed.
Accepting the distinction, Modi dedicated the honour to all nations committed to protecting the environment.
“I dedicate this honour to all the countries who are committed to environmental conservation and fighting climate change,” he said.
He further observed that the recognition, coming as India and Seychelles celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations, would further strengthen the enduring friendship between the two countries.
The honour also acknowledges Modi’s leadership in global environmental initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, and the International Big Cat Alliance, adding to a growing list of international recognitions for promoting sustainable development, including the FAO Agricola Medal, Seoul Peace Prize and the UN Champion of the Earth Award.
The latest recognition underscores Seychelles’ appreciation of India’s expanding role as a dependable partner in capacity building, maritime security, environmental protection, sustainable development and regional cooperation across the Indian Ocean.
