Maritime Security, Improved Market Access To Renewable Energy: India, Seychelles Discuss Ways To Deepen Partnership

As India and Seychelles mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, both countries have renewed their commitment to expand cooperation across maritime security, trade connectivity, renewable energy and people-centric development, reinforcing a partnership that has steadily evolved into a key pillar of India’s Indian Ocean outreach.

The latest high-level discussions in New Delhi build upon the recently announced Joint Vision for enhanced bilateral engagement and India’s $175 million special economic assistance package for the island nation.

Earlier this month, Seychelles President Dr. Patrick Herminie was on a State Visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, from February 5 to 10, 2026. President Herminie underlined India’s role as a trusted partner for Seychelles and the region, while expressing gratitude for the longstanding assistance and cooperation.

What did the latest India-Seychelles talks focus on?

Vice President CP Radhakrishnan met Seychelles’ Vice President Sebastien Pillay in New Delhi on Friday (February 20, 2026), where the two sides reviewed progress in priority sectors and explored new avenues for cooperation. Maritime security featured prominently in the discussions, reflecting the shared interest in maintaining stability and safeguarding sea lanes in the strategically vital Indian Ocean Region.

“We discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation across priority areas, including maritime security, transshipment opportunities, improved market access, and expanding solar and renewable energy initiatives across the island nation by leveraging India’s vast experience in the renewable sector and also discussed enhancing cooperation in the health and housing sectors, with a focus on people-centric development initiatives,” the Vice President posted on X.

As India and Seychelles are commemorating 50 years of diplomatic relations, we appreciated the long-standing diaspora connections, as well as the strong cultural and people-to-people ties between the two nations, and emphasized advancing the partnership to its full potential, he added.

How does renewable energy fit into the partnership?

Seychelles, like many small island developing states, faces climate vulnerabilities and high energy import costs. India’s rapidly expanding renewable energy sector, particularly in solar power, positions it as a valuable partner in helping the island nation transition toward cleaner and more resilient energy systems.

The talks explored ways to scale up solar and renewable initiatives, aligning with broader climate cooperation goals and India’s positioning as a leading voice for the Global South on sustainable development.

India’s $175 million package for Seychelles

Latest round of discussions come just weeks after both nations unveiled a Joint Vision document aimed at charting the next phase of the India–Seychelles partnership. Central to that roadmap is India’s $175 million special economic assistance package, designed to support infrastructure development, capacity building and socio-economic projects in Seychelles.

The package includes a blended financial assistance of $125 million in Rupee-denominated Line of Credit and $50 million in Grant assistance for development cooperation projects, capacity building for civilians and defence officials, maritime security, etc.

Why is maritime security a strategic priority?

Seychelles occupies a crucial position in the western Indian Ocean, along key shipping routes that carry energy supplies and commercial cargo.

India has consistently emphasised the importance of collaborative maritime domain awareness, coastal surveillance and defence cooperation with island nations to counter piracy, illegal fishing and emerging security threats. The renewed focus on maritime security reflects continuity in India’s SAGAR doctrine, aimed at promoting stability and inclusive growth in the Indian Ocean.