India, Seychelles sign pacts to strengthen trade, digital payments, farm ties

New Delhi: India and Seychelles on Sunday signed agreements to strengthen bilateral ties across trade, digital technology and agriculture following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Seychelles President Patrick Herminie during the Indian Prime Minister’s three-day State Visit to the Indian Ocean nation.

The two countries agreed on several major initiatives, including the umbrella line of credit agreement for Rs 1,250 crore between the Export-Import Bank of India and the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning, Trade and Investment of Seychelles, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

“President Herminie and Prime Minister Modi held bilateral talks at the State House in Victoria in Seychelles, which included development cooperation, clean energy, creative industries and health,” the statement said.

Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to deepening the relationship, proposing direct shipping links, increased trade in local currencies, and greater connectivity to promote trade and tourism.

He announced the gifting of six ambulances, access to affordable medicines under the Janaushadhi Scheme, and training for Seychellois medical personnel.

India also committed to sports training, youth exchange, and promoting Seychelles as a creative and filming destination.

Both leaders participated in the virtual groundbreaking of the India-assisted Professional and Technical Education Centre and inaugurated three solar water pumping systems under the International Solar Alliance. They also jointly unveiled the commemorative logo marking 50 years of diplomatic relations.

Additional agreements covered cooperation in agricultural research and education, mutual recognition of training and certification for seafarers serving on Seychelles-flagged vessels, and collaboration in the peaceful exploration of outer space.

The two sides agreed to begin preliminary work on establishing a new Seychelles National Hospital.

New Delhi also extended humanitarian and development assistance by supplying 500 metric tonnes of rice and 8,500 metric tonnes of cement.

President Herminie reaffirmed progress in implementing the Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL), adopted in February this year.

The Seychelles President expressed appreciation for India’s Special Economic Package of $175 million, comprising $125 million in a rupee-denominated Line of Credit and $50 million in grant assistance, to support priority projects in social housing, e-mobility, vocational training, health, defence, and maritime security.

He also highlighted food security, parliamentary cooperation, and the strengthening of historic ties between the two nations as key areas of discussion.

The wide-ranging agreements reflect the deepening partnership between the two countries in connectivity, capacity building and sustainable development.

The outcomes were announced during PM Modi’s State Visit, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles.

Prime Minister Modi is visiting Seychelles at the invitation of President Herminie and will attend the country’s National Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour.

IANS