Written by: Badr Ahmed

The Republic of Seychelles today welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the start of an official state visit, amid official welcoming ceremonies that reflected the strength of the historical relations and growing partnership between the two countries.

A new step to enhance Indian influence in the Indian Ocean

The capital, Victoria, witnessed an official reception ceremony held at the Presidential Palace, where the Indian Prime Minister received an official welcome that included the performance of military honors, along with cultural and artistic performances that embodied the national heritage of Seychelles, in a festive atmosphere that highlighted the depth of bilateral relations between the two countries.

In a statement, the Seychelles presidency affirmed that the reception ceremony was an occasion to celebrate the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Seychelles and India, which have witnessed remarkable development in recent years in many areas, including development, maritime security, economic cooperation, education, and health.

The Indian Prime Minister’s visit comes within the framework of strengthening bilateral relations and expanding areas of partnership between New Delhi and Victoria. The visit is expected to include official talks between the two sides addressing ways to enhance joint cooperation, in addition to discussing a number of regional and international issues of common interest.

India is one of the most prominent development partners of the Republic of Seychelles, having provided support in recent years for the implementation of a number of infrastructure projects, in addition to capacity-building programs, scholarships, and enhanced cooperation in the areas of security and defense, particularly in the Indian Ocean region.

The visit also reflects the two countries’ interest in strengthening the strategic partnership in a way that serves common interests, in light of the security and economic challenges facing the region, as well as their keenness to expand cooperation in the fields of investment, energy, tourism, and sustainable development.

The visit of the Indian Prime Minister is of particular importance, as it confirms the continued momentum in relations between the two countries and opens the way for launching new initiatives that will enhance bilateral cooperation, contributing to the development and prosperity of the people of Seychelles and India, and consolidating the friendly relations that have bound them for decades.