PM Modi's 2nd Seychelles Visit: Why Indian Ocean Nation Is Crucial To Delhi's Strategy Against Beijing

Published 27 June 2026 · local

PM Modi's 2nd Seychelles Visit: Why Indian Ocean Nation Is Crucial To Delhi's Strategy Against Beijing Written By, Last Updated: June 27, 2026, 16:13 IST

PM Modi's 2nd Seychelles Visit: Why Indian Ocean Nation Is Crucial To Delhi's Strategy Against Beijing Written By, Last Updated: June 27, 2026, 16:13 IST Seychelles has emerged as one of India's closest maritime security partners in the Indian Ocean. Rapid Read PM Modi said India-Seychelles diplomatic relations are "rooted in mutual trust, shared democratic values, respect for diversity and deep affinity between our peoples". (Photo: X/narendramodi)PM Modi said India-Seychelles diplomatic relations are "rooted in mutual trust, shared democratic values, respect for diversity and deep affinity between our peoples". (Photo: X/narendramodi) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday arrived in Seychelles on a three-day official visit, marking his second trip to the Indian Ocean island nation since taking office. During the visit, PM Modi will attend the golden jubilee celebrations of Seychelles’ Day and hold bilateral talks with President Patrick Herminie to further strengthen strategic, economic and maritime cooperation between the two countries. PM Modi is only the second Indian Prime Minister to visit Seychelles, a key maritime partner with which India established diplomatic relations 50 years ago. His visit underscores New Delhi’s growing focus on the Indian Ocean Region and its commitment to deepening ties with island nations. In his departure statement, PM Modi said that he looks forward to the bilateral discussions aimed at further strengthening the enduring friendship. “Together, we will work to advance the progress of our peoples, and promote security and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region," he said.

PM Modi said India-Seychelles diplomatic relations are “rooted in mutual trust, shared democratic values, respect for diversity and deep affinity between our peoples". In his departure statement, the Prime Minister said Seychelles is a valued maritime neighbour and a key partner in the ‘Vision MAHASAGAR’ and India’s shared commitment to the Global South. Why Seychelles Is Crucial To India’s Diplomacy As PM Modi visits Seychelles for the second time in a decade, the island nation has once again come into focus as a key pillar of India’s strategic and diplomatic engagement in the Indian Ocean Region. Despite its small size, Seychelles occupies a critical geopolitical position. Located along major Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs), the archipelago sits close to some of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes through which a significant share of global commerce and energy supplies passes. Recognising its strategic importance, India has placed Seychelles at the heart of its maritime vision under MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), an expanded framework aimed at strengthening security, economic cooperation and sustainable development across the Indian Ocean while advancing the interests of the Global South. Maritime Security And Regional Stability Seychelles has emerged as one of India’s closest maritime security partners in the Western Indian Ocean. The two countries cooperate extensively to combat piracy, maritime terrorism, narcotics trafficking along the East African corridor, and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. India has also supported Seychelles by providing patrol vessels, defence training, and a network of Coastal Surveillance Radar (CSR) stations across the islands.