- Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi visited the Indian Ocean island nation of Seychelles, an important visit at a time when the Indo-Pacific has become the new frontier of geopolitics.
- Stronger relations and the security of these countries are important for India, which considers itself a de facto security guarantor in the Indian Ocean region.
- Several agreements and Memorandums of Understanding were signed covering sectors such as digital payments, healthcare, agriculture, banking and finance, space cooperation, maritime security, and defence cooperation.
- This visit is of great importance for India, particularly given how sea lanes have become a new geopolitical tool, as seen in the case of the Strait of Hormuz.
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi visited the Indian Ocean island nation of Seychelles, an important visit at a time when the Indo-Pacific has become the new frontier of geopolitics. India, which is trying to further bolster its presence in the region, has made a systematic effort to foster relationships with Indian Ocean island countries, particularly nations such as Mauritius and Seychelles.
These countries are situated along critical sea lane routes and provide greater geopolitical accessibility and visibility into the affairs of Indo-Pacific geopolitics. Hence, stronger relations and the security of these countries are important for India, which considers itself a de facto security guarantor in the Indian Ocean region.
This visit comes at an important time as Seychelles is celebrating 50 years of its independence, and Prime Minister Modi was invited as the Guest of Honour. Prime Minister Modi held bilateral talks with President Patrick Herminie, focusing on defence cooperation, maritime security, economic development, and the Blue Economy.
In a gesture of goodwill, India handed over a Made-in-India Fast Patrol Vessel, PS LESPWAR. Several agreements and Memorandums of Understanding were signed covering sectors such as digital payments, healthcare, agriculture, banking and finance, space cooperation, maritime security, and defence cooperation.
India also announced a special economic package of $175 million, consisting of a line of credit and grant assistance for development projects. Prime Minister Modi, while addressing the gathering, spoke about the importance of Seychelles and how India is dedicated to fostering stronger relations with Indian Ocean countries and making the Indian Ocean a region of opportunities.
Prime Minister Modi was also conferred with Seychelles’ prestigious “Guardian of the Blue Horizon” title in recognition of his contribution to environmental conservation, climate action, and sustainable development.
This visit is of great importance for India, particularly given how sea lanes have become a new geopolitical tool, as seen in the case of the Strait of Hormuz. India is interested in increasing its presence in the region, and this is also a win-win situation for Seychelles, as its relationship with India provides it with greater strategic deterrence and security assurances.
Aayush Pal is a freelance writer on contemporary geopolitical developments. The views expressed in his work are entirely his own.
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