'Seychelles an inalienable partner in India’s maritime mission Vision Mahasagar': PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the joint press meet with President Dr Patrick Herminie of the Republic of Seychelles said the latter is an indispensable partner in India’s maritime initiative, Vision Mahasagar.

He said this, highlighting the island nation’s strategic role in ensuring regional security, economic cooperation, and sustainable development across the Indian Ocean.

#WATCH | Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "We will further expand our cooperation on renewable energy, resilience, and climate adaptation solutions. As maritime neighbours, the blue economy is a natural area of ​​cooperation for us... Together, we will shape not only… pic.twitter.com/G4668eCvc3

— ANI (@ANI) February 9, 2026

Vision Mahasagar—short for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions—is India’s expanded maritime framework that builds on its earlier Sagar (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine, taking cooperation beyond South Asia to encompass the broader Indian Ocean Region and parts of the Global South. The initiative addresses maritime security, economic connectivity, disaster resilience, and sustainable development.

Seychelles occupies a strategic geographic position along critical sea lanes linking Asia, Africa and Europe, making it vital for monitoring piracy, illegal fishing and other maritime threats. Its extensive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) also gives India a deeper operational reach in the Western Indian Ocean, reinforcing collective maritime security. India views Seychelles not just as a neighbour but as an “inalienable partner” in achieving shared goals for regional stability.

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What does India’s $175mn economic package for Seychelles cover?

India and Seychelles have signed a $175 million Special Economic Package as part of efforts to deepen cooperation and support development across key sectors.

The agreement will fund collaborative projects in areas such as social housing, electric mobility, vocational training, healthcare, defence and maritime security, along with other Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) to bolster bilateral ties.

Prime Minister Modi said the cooperation will expand trade in local currencies and include collaboration on fintech and digital solutions, stressing that these partnerships are shaped around Seychelles’ priorities and needs. A separate MoU was also signed to facilitate the training of Seychelles civil servants in India, enhancing capacity building and people‑to‑people links.