In a boost to Indo-Pacific diplomacy, Seychelles’ newly elected President Patrick Herminie begins a five-day official visit to India starting Thursday, hosted on PM Narendra Modi’s invitation. His first since October’s inauguration, the tour wraps up February 10.
Central to the itinerary are summit-level interactions: a call on President Droupadi Murmu and in-depth talks with PM Modi. The conversations will span strengthening bilateral frameworks and addressing wider regional, oceanic, and global challenges.
This high-profile journey coincides with a golden jubilee of diplomatic relations, positioning it as a catalyst for renewed vigor in ties. The MEA spotlighted Seychelles’ strategic maritime significance within India’s ‘SAGAR’ blueprint and Global South advocacy.
Herminie will also tour Chennai and Mumbai for commercial engagements, eyeing expanded economic partnerships. Expectations run high for accelerated cooperation in diverse domains.
Contextualizing the momentum, it builds on Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan’s presence at Herminie’s October 2025 oath-taking in Victoria. Exchanges there advanced bilateral agendas, echoed shared peace aspirations, and included Vice Presidential huddles.
From 1976 independence festivities graced by Indian naval presence to establishing reciprocal missions decades later, India-Seychelles relations thrive on cultural synergy and grassroots bonds, heralding sustained collaboration.