India and Seychelles on Sunday announced a slew of development initiatives and signed nine agreements spanning defence, healthcare, digital payments, agriculture, maritime cooperation, space and infrastructure during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s State visit.
Key outcomes of the visit include:
• India gifted a Fast Patrol Vessel to the Government of Seychelles.
• The Seychelles Defence Force received 10 utility vehicles and five Laser Radial class boats from India.
• India handed over six ambulances, 500 metric tonnes of rice and 8,500 metric tonnes of cement to Seychelles.
• The two countries launched a commemorative logo marking 50 years of diplomatic relations.
• A virtual ground-breaking ceremony was held for the Professional and Technical Education Centre.
• The refit of PS Zoroaster for the Seychelles Coast Guard was completed.
• India announced the upgradation of a Dornier aircraft with a glass cockpit for Seychelles.
• Seychelles joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
India and Seychelles signed nine agreements covering diplomatic training, deployment of the UPI digital payments system, supply of affordable medicines under the Jan Aushadhi Scheme, agricultural research and education, extradition of fugitives, recognition of Indian seafarers’ certifications, an umbrella Line of Credit for infrastructure projects, cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space, and preliminary preparations for the construction of a new Seychelles National Hospital.
The outcomes underscore the two countries’ expanding strategic partnership and India’s continued development support to the Indian Ocean nation.
