India Announces $175 Million Special Economic Package for Seychelles, Deepening Strategic Partnership

New Delhi, Feb 2026 : Calling development cooperation a “strong foundation” of India–Seychelles relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday announced a Special Economic Package worth $175 million to support a range of people-centric and strategic projects in the island nation. The package aims to strengthen cooperation across sectors such as social housing, e-mobility, vocational training, health, defence, and maritime security.

The announcement was made during a joint press conference at Hyderabad House following bilateral talks between PM Modi and Seychelles President Patrick Herminie, who is on his first official visit to India since assuming office. Highlighting the importance India places on its partnership with Seychelles, the Prime Minister said New Delhi’s development initiatives are guided by the priorities and needs of the Seychellois people.

“Development partnership has been a strong foundation of India–Seychelles relations. All our efforts have been based on Seychelles’ priorities and needs. Moving forward in this direction, today we are announcing a Special Economic Package of $175 million,” PM Modi said. He noted that the funding would support concrete, on-ground projects aimed at improving quality of life while strengthening Seychelles’ institutional and security capacities.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the initiatives under the package would generate employment and create skill-development opportunities, particularly for the youth of Seychelles. He underlined India’s continued commitment to human resource development through training and capacity-building programmes.

PM Modi also highlighted the long-standing contribution of India’s Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme in strengthening institutional capacities in Seychelles. He expressed satisfaction over the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding for the training of Seychellois civil servants in India, calling it a step that would further deepen administrative cooperation between the two countries.

Beyond development assistance, both leaders agreed to explore new avenues to enhance economic engagement. PM Modi said India and Seychelles would work together to expand cooperation in fintech and digital solutions while also promoting trade in local currencies, a move aimed at strengthening financial resilience and easing cross-border transactions.

Reflecting on the historical depth of bilateral ties, the Prime Minister said the relationship between India and Seychelles goes far beyond formal diplomacy. “The waves of the Indian Ocean have connected our people for centuries. On its shores, trade has grown, cultures have blended, and traditions of faith have become stronger. India and Seychelles are connected not just by geography, but by history, trust and a shared vision for the future,” he said.

PM Modi described Seychelles as an integral partner in India’s MAHASAGAR Vision, which focuses on mutual and holistic advancement for security and growth across regions. He stressed that cooperation between the two nations spans land, sea and air, underlining Seychelles’ role as a key maritime neighbour and trusted partner in the Indian Ocean region.

Welcoming President Herminie and his delegation, PM Modi congratulated him on his election and noted the symbolic importance of the visit. He pointed out that the visit coincides with Seychelles’ 50th Independence Day and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

“These milestones will continue to inspire us to reach new heights in our partnership,” the Prime Minister said, expressing confidence that India–Seychelles relations will grow stronger in the years ahead.