India Rolls Out USD 175 Million Special Package for Seychelles

India has taken a major diplomatic and strategic step in the Indian Ocean region. On February 9, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a 175 million-dollar Special Economic Package for Seychelles during talks with Seychelles President Dr Patrick Herminie in New Delhi. The announcement highlights India’s growing focus on maritime neighbors, development cooperation, and security partnerships under its broader Indian Ocean vision.

India-Seychelles 175 Million US$ Special Economic Package

• India announced a USD 175 million Special Economic Package for Seychelles to support social housing, e-mobility, vocational training, health, defense and maritime security.
• The announcement was made after bilateral talks between Narendra Modi and Patrick Herminie.
• Alongside the package, seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, strengthening cooperation across key sectors.

Key Areas Covered Under the $175 Million Package

• The Special Economic Package focuses on people-centric and security-linked sectors.
• It will support affordable social housing, promote electric mobility, strengthen health infrastructure, and enhance vocational training.
• A significant portion is aimed at defense and maritime security, reinforcing Seychelles’ capacity as a strategic maritime partner.
• The package reflects India’s approach of combining development assistance with regional security cooperation.

Seven MoUs Signed: Sectors Covered

• India and Seychelles signed seven MoUs covering health, meteorology, electronics and IT, digital transformation, and good governance.
• A key agreement includes technical and scientific cooperation between the India Meteorological Department and the Seychelles Meteorological Authority.
• These MoUs aim to deepen institutional linkages, improve governance capacity, and promote technology-driven development in Seychelles.

Digital Transformation and Civil Services Training

• A major highlight was the MoU on digital transformation, under which India will share its successful digital governance models with Seychelles.
• Another important agreement focuses on training Seychellois civil servants in India, strengthening administrative capacity.
• India’s experience in digital public services and governance reforms will help Seychelles modernise public administration and service delivery.

Health Cooperation and Medical Support

• Prime Minister Modi reiterated that India has been a stable and trusted health partner for Seychelles.
• Cooperation will focus on affordable and quality medicines, medical tourism, and health infrastructure development.
• This builds on India’s reputation as the “pharmacy of the world” and strengthens healthcare access for Seychelles population.

Maritime Security and Vision MAHASAGAR

• Both leaders emphasised that maritime security and regional stability remain central to bilateral ties.
• Prime Minister Modi highlighted Seychelles’ importance in India’s Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
• As Indian Ocean neighbours, cooperation in maritime surveillance, defence capacity, and regional security architecture will continue to deepen.

Strategic Importance of the State Visit

• This was President Herminie’s first visit to India since assuming office in October 2025.
• The visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of India–Seychelles diplomatic relations, adding symbolic value.
• President Herminie described the visit as a reflection of long-standing friendship, trust, and a shared five-year vision for cooperation between the two countries.

Question

Q. India announced a USD 175 million Special Economic Package for which country?

A. Mauritius
B. Maldives
C. Seychelles
D. Sri Lanka