India, Seychelles Announce SESEL Joint Vision on Sustainability and Security

India and Seychelles have taken their bilateral partnership to a new strategic level. On 9 February 2026, during the State Visit of the President of Seychelles to India, both countries announced a Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL). The development highlights India’s growing role in the Indian Ocean region and Seychelles’ importance as a close maritime partner, focusing on security, development, and people-centric cooperation.

India-Seychelles Joint Vision SESEL

• The India-Seychelles Joint Vision (SESEL) was announced during the meeting between Narendra Modi and Patrick Herminie on 9 February 2026.
• The vision outlines a comprehensive roadmap covering sustainability, economic growth, and security cooperation.
• The visit was significant as it coincided with 50 years of Seychelles independence and 50 years of India–Seychelles diplomatic relations, reinforcing their long-standing partnership.

Political and Strategic Importance of the State Visit

• President Herminie’s visit came just about 100 days after assuming office, signalling Seychelles’ priority towards India.
• Both leaders reaffirmed that India and Seychelles share a special, time-tested partnership based on democracy, pluralism, and people-to-people ties.
• As maritime neighbours, they agreed that their cooperation is vital for peace and stability in the Western Indian Ocean Region, with Seychelles playing a key role in India’s Vision MAHASAGAR.

Development Partnership and USD 175 Million Economic Package

• A major highlight of the Joint Vision was India’s announcement of a Special Economic Package worth USD 175 million.
• This includes a USD 125 million Rupee-denominated Line of Credit and USD 50 million in grant assistance.
• The package will support development projects, capacity building, maritime security, defence cooperation, and high-impact community development initiatives.
• Seychelles acknowledged India as a trusted and reliable development partner.

Digital Public Infrastructure and Governance Reforms

• Recognizing India’s leadership in digital transformation, both sides agreed to cooperate on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
• India will assist Seychelles in digitizing governance systems, including digital payments, to improve service delivery and citizen welfare.
• This cooperation reflects India’s broader Global South outreach, where digitalization is seen as a tool for inclusive growth and efficient governance.

Health, Medicines, and Food Security Cooperation

• Health cooperation emerged as a strong pillar of the Joint Vision.
• India donated 10 advanced ambulances to Seychelles to strengthen emergency healthcare.
• Both countries agreed on recognizing the Indian Pharmacopoeia, which will help Seychelles procure affordable and quality medicines under India’s Jan Aushadhi initiative.
• Additionally, India donated 1,000 metric tons of grains, helping Seychelles improve food security and reduce living costs.

Capacity Building, Education, and Skill Development

• Capacity building remains central to India–Seychelles relations. Cooperation under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme will expand.
• Both sides agreed to customized training for Seychellois civil servants through the National Centre for Good Governance, and to strengthen collaboration in cybersecurity, finance, policing, climate change, marine sciences, and MSME promotion.
• Educational and vocational training linkages will also be expanded.

Renewable Energy, Climate Action, and Sustainability

• The Joint Vision strongly focuses on renewable energy and climate resilience.
• India will continue supporting solar energy projects in Seychelles under the International Solar Alliance.
• Both leaders agreed to implement Multi Hazard Early Warning Systems, assist in power grid management and support Seychelles transition to green public transport.
• Seychelles also agreed to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

Trade, Investment, Connectivity, and Tourism

• Trade and investment cooperation will be deepened across sectors like blue economy, tourism, fisheries, digital technology, AI, and financial services.
• Both leaders highlighted the positive impact of direct flight connectivity, which has increased Indian tourist arrivals to Seychelles.
• They agreed to explore further expansion of air connectivity and unlock the full potential of bilateral trade for shared prosperity.

Maritime Security, Defense & Hydrographic Cooperation

• Maritime security remains a cornerstone of the partnership.
• India reiterated support for Seychelles defense and maritime needs under Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
• Seychelles will establish a Seychelles Hydrographic Unit with Indian assistance.
• Cooperation will also focus on countering piracy, illegal fishing, trafficking, and other transnational crimes in the Indian Ocean Region.

Regional and Multilateral Cooperation

• India welcomed Seychelles’ decision to become a full member of the Colombo Security Conclave.
• Seychelles reaffirmed support for India’s permanent membership of the UN Security Council.
• Both countries agreed to work closely in regional and multilateral forums to address shared maritime and development challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

About Seychelles

• Location: Archipelagic island country in the western Indian Ocean; northeast of Madagascar and east of mainland Africa.
• Capital: Victoria
• Nearby Islands: Comoros and Mauritius to the south; Maldives to the east.
• Composition: Archipelago of 115 islands, with only 8 permanently inhabited.
• Climate: ropical oceanic climate with minimal temperature variation.
• Geography: Two main island groups—mountainous granitic Mahé group and flat coralline islands; highest point is Morne Seychellois.

Question

Q. India-Seychelles Joint Vision announced in 2026 is known as:

A. SAGAR Plus
B. SESEL
C. MAHASAGAR
D. IORA Vision