June 26, 2018
President Kovind said that India recognises the leadership role of Seychelles in the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) blocs as well as on climate change and maritime security issues
Seychelles, which emerged as the top African country in the Human Development Index, can become India’s reliable partner in broader economic development, apart from ocean-based Blue Economy and International Solar Alliance
India already has a robust defence, security and strategic cooperation with Seychelles. During President Danny Faure’s visit, the countries signed as many as six agreements covering cyber security to cultural cooperation
President Kovind has visited as many as five African nations -- Mauritius, Madagascar, Equatorial Guinea, Swaziland and Zambia -- so far this year, boosting India's trade and diplomatic relations with the developing economy
The President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, received Danny Antoine Rollen Faure, the President of the Republic of Seychelles, at Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 26. Welcoming President Danny Faure, President Kovind said that India recognises the leadership role of Seychelles in the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) blocs as well as on climate change and maritime security issues. During bilateral discussions, both Presidents agreed that India and Seychelles need to work together as partners in strengthening the regional architecture of the Indian Ocean. Seychelles, which emerged as the top African country in the Human Development Index, can become India’s reliable partner in attaining broader economic development. Cooperation between the nations currently cover ocean-based Blue Economy to the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
On the occasion, President Kovind assured India’s commitment for developmental assistance in all areas which Seychelles considers critical for its people. India already has a robust defence, security and strategic cooperation with Seychelles. During President Danny Faure’s visit, the countries signed as many as six agreements, including, (1) Grant assistance for small projects through local bodies and educational institutions; (2) Twinning agreement between the city of Panaji and the city of Victoria in Seychelles; (3) Cooperation in cyber security between India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Seychelles’ Department of Information Communications Technology; (4) Cultural exchange programme spanning 2018-2022; (5) Agreement on sharing of shipping information between the Indian Navy and Seychelles’ National Information Sharing and Coordination Center.
The Indian Government has put additional emphasis on extending ties in developing economies, primarily in Africa and Asia. To this end, President Kovind has visited as many as five African nations — Mauritius, Madagascar, Equatorial Guinea, Swaziland and Zambia — so far this year, boosting trade and diplomatic relations. Apart from hosting a large Indian diaspora, these fast-growing economies offer income opportunities for a vast section of stakeholders. India’s relationship with the African continent has only gotten stronger down the years with increased government to government interactions, trade and investment activities and people to people exchanges. Resultantly, Indian Government has forwarded a concessional credit line of US$10 billion to the continent for the period 2015-20, while also rolling out a plan to develop 18 new diplomatic missions over 2018-2021.