Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Seychelles is expected to give a fresh push to tourism, trade and strategic cooperation, with several agreements likely to be signed in areas such as maritime security, space cooperation, cybersecurity and mutual legal assistance, Seychelles Foreign Minister Barry Faure said on Saturday.
Speaking to ANI ahead of PM Modi’s arrival, Faure said the proposed agreements would broaden bilateral cooperation beyond traditional sectors.
“Several agreements are expected to be signed, covering not only maritime security but also emerging areas such as space cooperation, cybersecurity, and mutual legal assistance,” the Seychelles Foreign Minister said.
Highlighting the economic potential of India-Seychelles ties, Faure said there is considerable scope to strengthen trade and tourism between the two countries.
“There is significant potential to expand trade and tourism between our two countries. Seychelles has natural resources and export capacity, while India offers a large tourism and consumer market,” he said.
Calling tourism a key pillar of the Seychelles economy, Faure noted that the sector contributes around 30 per cent of the country’s GDP and expressed confidence that Modi’s visit would enhance the island nation’s global profile.
“Tourism remains a major pillar of our economy, contributing around 30 per cent of GDP. We already have IndiGo operating four flights per week between Mumbai and Seychelles. However, we are exploring the possibility of expanding connectivity to other Indian cities, particularly Delhi,” he said.
“We also hope that Prime Minister Modi’s visit will boost visibility and tourism flows, given his global reach and influence,” he added.
Faure also said discussions were underway to establish direct shipping links between India and Seychelles, an initiative launched during Seychelles President Patrick Herminie’s visit to India in February.
On the broader strategic landscape, the Foreign Minister said the Indian Ocean has emerged as both a major trade corridor and a region facing growing security challenges.
“The Indian Ocean has increasingly become a region of trade competition, along with rising security risks. We have faced piracy in the past, and we continue to see regional events—in the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea—that directly impact Seychelles,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday morning emplaned for a three-day state visit to Seychelles, where he will attend the country’s Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour and hold talks aimed at further strengthening bilateral ties.
(ANI)
