New Delhi, February 10, 2026 - In a significant boost to bilateral relations, India announced a $175 million Special Economic Package for Seychelles during a state visit by President Patrick Herminie to New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement following extensive discussions aimed at deepening cooperation across multiple sectors, including maritime security, digital infrastructure, and healthcare.
Strengthening Maritime and Security Cooperation
Maritime security emerged as a central theme of the talks, with both nations agreeing to enhance collaboration in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). PM Modi welcomed Seychelles as a full member of the Colombo Security Conclave, a regional grouping that now includes India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, Bangladesh, and Seychelles. This inclusion is seen as a strategic move to maintain peace and stability in the region amid growing geopolitical tensions.
Additionally, India will assist Seychelles in establishing a Seychelles Hydrographic Unit (SHU) as part of efforts to support the island nation's Blue Economy initiatives, highlighting India's MAHASAGAR Vision for holistic maritime advancement (Firstpost, February 9, 2026).
Economic Assistance and Development Projects
The $175 million package, comprising $125 million as a rupee-denominated Line of Credit and $50 million as grant support, is tailored to support priority projects identified by Seychelles. These include:
- Social housing and urban upgrading
- Electric mobility and vocational training
- Healthcare infrastructure and medicine supply
- National defense and maritime domain awareness
India will also provide 1,000 metric tonnes of grains and lentils, along with 10 fully equipped ambulances to strengthen emergency healthcare in Seychelles (India.com, February 9, 2026; DevDiscourse, February 9, 2026).
Joint Vision and New Agreements
The visit also witnessed the adoption of the Joint Vision document on Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL), laying the groundwork for expanded collaboration in sustainability, climate action, and trade. Seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, covering areas such as:
- Digital public infrastructure and population-scale digital solutions (The Tribune, February 9, 2026)
- Pharmacopoeial cooperation in the health sector
- Cultural Exchange Programme (2026-2030) (The Tribune, February 9, 2026)
- Capacity-building training for Seychellois civil servants under India's ITEC programme (The Economic Times, February 9, 2026)
- Ocean observation, maritime scientific research, and data sharing
Looking Ahead
As both nations mark 50 years of diplomatic relations and Seychelles celebrates its 50th anniversary of independence, the newly announced initiatives signal a transformative phase in their partnership. PM Modi emphasized that "India and Seychelles are connected not just by geography, but by history, trust and a shared vision for the future" (The Hindu, February 9, 2026).
Image: [Seychelles islands landscape from Unsplash]
References
- The Hindu - India announces $175 million economic package to Seychelles
- The Times of India - India-Seychelles ties: PM Modi announces $175 million economic package
- India.com - PM Modi pledges USD 175 million assistance to Seychelles
- The Tribune - India, Seychelles adopt SESEL joint vision
- Firstpost - 'Seychelles an inalienable partner in India’s maritime mission Vision Mahasagar'
- The Economic Times - India, Seychelles sign $175 million special economic package & other MoUs
- DevDiscourse - India, Seychelles Launch SESEL Vision, Announce $175 Million Package During State Visit
- The Tribune - $175 million package, digital push anchor new phase in India-Seychelles ties
- Drishti IAS - Colombo Security Conclave Charter
Members Discussion