India and Seychelles have sealed a landmark agreement, approving a $175 million economic package and signing seven pacts to bolster defence and maritime cooperation amid growing Indian Ocean security needs.
India approved a $175 million special economic package for Seychelles and inked seven agreements on February 9, 2026, in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted President Patrick Herminie, focusing on maritime security, defence cooperation, and development projects to enhance bilateral relations.
The India Seychelles agreement underscores New Delhi’s strategic outreach in the Indian Ocean Region, where Seychelles plays a key role in countering maritime threats. This pact aligns with India’s SAGAR vision, promoting stability and prosperity for South Asian nations reliant on secure sea lanes for trade and energy supplies.
Details of the 175 Million Package Seychelles
The 175 million package Seychelles comprises USD 125 million in a rupee-denominated line of Credit and USD 50 million in grant aid. It targets projects in social housing, e-mobility, vocational training, health, defence, and maritime security. These initiatives aim to generate employment, particularly for youth, and build capacity in critical sectors.
According to the joint vision document, the package supports Seychelles’ national development agenda. India committed to aiding digitisation of governance, including efforts to modernise public services for citizens. The funding will facilitate concrete infrastructure and skill-building programmes, addressing Seychelles’ needs as a small island developing state.
Prime Minister Modi stated during the joint press meet: “This will strengthen our mutual coordination and reinforce efforts to ensure peace and stability in the Indian Ocean. Together, we will shape not just bilateral cooperation, but a shared future for the Indian Ocean.”
The 175 million package Seychelles also includes provisions for blended financial assistance, enabling projects in maritime security and capacity building for defence officials. This marks India’s first major grant-assisted civil infrastructure in Seychelles, building on prior collaborations.
India Seychelles Defence Cooperation Strengthened
India Seychelles defence cooperation received a significant boost through the agreements. The pacts cover capacity building, information sharing, and coordinated operations to tackle piracy, narcotics smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal fishing.
Leaders reaffirmed commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indian Ocean Region. They emphasised respect for international law and freedom of navigation. The joint statement noted: “Leaders acknowledged that a strong Seychelles-India partnership in the maritime security and defence domain reinforces regional stability and security and advances the well-being and prosperity of the people of Seychelles and India.”
Seychelles joined the Colombo Security Conclave as a full member, enhancing multilateral defence ties. This forum, involving India, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and now Seychelles, focuses on maritime security challenges in the region.
President Herminie highlighted during his press statement: “Seychelles and India have additionally signed a number of Memoranda of Understanding and cooperation agreements that reflect the breadth and maturity of our partnership, and that provide concrete frameworks for advancing cooperation across priority sectors.”
The India Seychelles defence cooperation extends to establishing a hydrographic unit in Seychelles with Indian assistance. This unit will improve mapping and navigation, vital for maritime operations.
India Seychelles Maritime Security Focus
India Seychelles maritime security emerged as a core pillar of the agreements. One pact specifically addresses ocean observation, ocean services, data sharing, and maritime scientific research.
The joint vision, titled SESEL (Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages), outlines cooperation in maritime domain awareness. It includes intelligence sharing and joint efforts against transnational crimes linked to organised crime and terrorism financing.
Modi remarked: “India and Seychelles are connected not just by geography, but by history, trust and a shared vision for the future.” The leaders resolved to counteract challenges like unregulated fishing and smuggling.
Additional agreements support India Seychelles maritime security through technical collaboration in meteorology and capacity building for civil servants. These measures aim to enhance Seychelles’ ability to monitor its exclusive economic zone.
The pacts also cover procurement of food items and cultural exchanges for 2026-2030, fostering people-to-people ties alongside security cooperation.
Background on Bilateral Relations
India and Seychelles share deep historical ties, with defence and maritime security as key pillars since diplomatic relations began in 1976. India has previously provided patrol vessels and aircraft to Seychelles, including a Dornier aircraft in 2018 and a fast patrol vessel in 2021.
Recent interactions include India’s Mission Sagar, delivering COVID-19 assistance to Seychelles in 2020. Seychelles participated in the Goa Maritime Conclave, highlighting shared interests in Indo-Pacific security.
The current India Seychelles agreement builds on these foundations, with Modi inviting Herminie for national day celebrations in Seychelles.
Economic ties are expanding, with agreements on trade in local currencies and fintech collaboration. Modi noted: “Alongside expanding trade in local currencies, we will also advance our collaboration in fintech and digital solutions.”
Seychelles’ strategic location in the western Indian Ocean makes it crucial for India’s regional strategy, especially amid competition from other powers. The 175 million package Seychelles reinforces India’s role as a reliable partner.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri described the relationship as a “substantial developmental partnership covering multiple sectors.” The state visit from February 5 to 10, 2026, included comprehensive reviews of bilateral engagements.
What’s Next
Future steps under the India Seychelles agreement include implementing the seven MoUs and disbursing the 175 million package Seychelles. Both nations plan intensified political and socio-economic engagements at leadership levels.
Cooperation will deepen in parliamentary exchanges, sharing best practices, and capacity building. The hydrographic unit’s establishment is slated for early rollout, enhancing India Seychelles maritime security.
Leaders agreed to explore new economic opportunities, including digital transformation and sustainable growth. Seychelles invited Modi for a visit, signalling continued high-level dialogue.
The India Seychelles agreement positions both countries to address emerging Indian Ocean challenges collaboratively, ensuring long-term stability.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, February 10th, 2026
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