Seychelles, India’s vital partner in Indian Ocean: PM

 The Dollar Business Bureau The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi on Wednesday, expressed hope that the Government of Seychelles will soon be a full partner in the maritime security cooperation between India, Maldives and Sri Lanka. Addressing media during his visit to Seychelles, Narendra Modi said, “Seychelles is my first destination in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and we regard the country as a vital partner in our Indian Ocean neighbourhood.” India’s relation with Seychelles is nurtured by a common purpose of ensuring a peace and prosperity in the IOR, said the PM, adding that ‘Our strong security partnership enabled us to advance maritime security in the region.’ Stating that India feels privileged to partner with Seychelles in security development, the PM said, “Besides providing a Dornier aircraft, India is also launching a Coastal Surveillance Radar Project in collaboration with Seychelles, to further security cooperation with the country.” The PM also informed that the two countries also came to an agreement on hydrographic survey on Wednesday, in a move towards enhancing maritime cooperation. In this regard, both the economies also agreed to work towards the concept of Blue Economy and also decided to constitute a joint working committee to expand their cooperation on the blue economy, aimed at increasing understanding of marine ecology and resources. Modi further informed that he and Michel, President of Seychelles, agreed upon moving ahead for a more active and productive Indian Ocean Rim Association. He also informed about the deal made between the two countries towards ensuring infrastructural development in the Assumption Island. The PM also expressed interest to partner with Seychelles government in resources and capacity building, in view of the country being one of the largest recipients of Indian assistance in the IOR. The PM also expressed interest for expansion in modest trade and investment relations with Seychelles, especially in terms of information technology and services. Modi also expressed hope that Seychelles government would utilize the committed $ 75 million in grants and credit in accordance with its priorities. By granting free visas for Seychelles’ citizens for a period of three months, India has also decided to extend visa-on-arrival facility to the country, as a part of tourism cooperation with the nation. While mentioning India’s full support to small Island developing States, the Prime Minister also highlighted India’s strong commitment for partnership with Africa.  

This article was published on March 11, 2015.