The President of Seychelles, H.E. Dr. Patrick Herminie, is undertaking a State Visit to India from 5 to 10 February 2026 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This was his first visit to India since assuming office in October 2025. The President’s visit coincides with 50 years of India-Seychelles diplomatic relations. The President was scheduled to meet with key Indian leaders, including the President of India, Prime Minister Modi, and the External Affairs Minister. The meeting with the Indian Prime Minister focuses on the strengthening of bilateral ties and exchanging views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. The visit reflects people-to-people ties between the two countries and creates momentum for a wide range of cooperation.
The goal of the visit is to expand cooperation across multiple sectors, including maritime security, economic development, health, and capacity building. During the visit, both countries formally adopted a “Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL)”, which underscores shared priorities in development, security, and people-centric cooperation. India also announced a Special Economic Package worth USD 175 million to support Seychelles’ development agenda.President Herminie’s visit includes Chennai and Mumbai after meeting the officials in the capital. The motive to visit these cities is to participate in different business events and to boost economic engagement between Seychelles and India.
In Chennai, the meeting was held between the Health Minister of Seychelles and Ravi Pachamuthu, the chairman of SIMS Hospital, to discuss the strengthening of healthcare services in the island nation through sustainable and long-term healthcare solutions such as better hospital infrastructure, trained workforce support and affordable treatments. India has donated 10 ambulances with basic and advanced life support. These ambulances are equipped with emergency health services and underline the people-centric approach between both countries.
In Mumbai, the Seychelles President met with the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal. The discussions were held to discuss investment and cooperation opportunities in both countries. The focus of the meeting was on the blue economy, maritime trade and sustainable development.
The visit highlighted the shared interest of both countries in maritime security and sustainable economic development in the Indian Ocean Region. Seychelles has been a key maritime neighbour for India in the Indian Ocean Region, and it has a special place in India’s vision of MAHASAGAR, which makes it strategically more important for India. Small island countries such as Seychelles work as an important connection for India while reflecting its commitment to cooperation and development in the Global South.
President Herminie highlighted India’s role as a trusted partner for Seychelles and the region. He expressed gratitude to India for its assistance and cooperation with Seychelles in achieving its developmental goals. In return, the Indian Prime Minister reassured India’s commitment towards Seychelles in multi-sectoral development. Prime Minister Modi welcomed Seychelles as a full member of the Colombo Security Conclave. On the other hand, the Seychelles president reassured India of its support for permanent membership at the UN Security Council.
During his time in New Delhi, President Herminie paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, underscoring shared democratic values and the historical bonds between the two peoples. During the state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Indian leadership reaffirmed that India remains a trusted partner of Seychelles, ready to support its developmental and security needs. The leaders also emphasised the immense potential to deepen bilateral cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, health, education, defence, and capacity building.
Both leaders acknowledged the social and cultural links between each other and had discussions on all aspects of bilateral relations. The meeting was concluded on the note that India and Seychelles partnership would remain stable in the Indian Ocean region. This will elevate and strengthen the bilateral partnership between the countries and bring tangible benefits for both nations. President Herminie thanked Prime Minister Modi for the hospitality and extended an invitation to him to visit Seychelles.
