India and Seychelles on Sunday finalized an extradition treaty $Rs 1,250 crore line of credit and agreement on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Patrick Herminie held talks on enhancing cooperation in maritime security and addressing common challenges in the region.
Modi is on a three-day visit to Seychelles as guest of honor at the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the archipelago nation’s independence. India also handed over a patrol ship and other equipment to the Seychelles Defense Forces, underscoring the growing defense and security ties.
“We believe that defense and security in India and Seychelles are inseparable. We will continue our close cooperation in this regard,” Modi said in a joint media interaction with Herminie, speaking in Hindi.
Outlining India’s broader vision for the region, Modi said New Delhi envisions an Indo-Pisphere in which maritime security goes hand in hand with economic prosperity, partnerships are defined by mutual respect and trust rather than size, and countries move forward together. “Our vision is to transform the Indian Ocean into an ocean of opportunities,” he said.
Herminie also said that security in the Indian Ocean remains central to bilateral relations.
The two sides reaffirmed the special place of Seychelles in India’s Mahasagar Vision, and their commitment to combating piracy, drug trafficking, poaching and cross-border crimes.
He also acknowledged India’s support in maritime surveillance, hydrography and defense capacity building, including the provision of patrol and attack vessels to the Seychelles Coast Guard.
He said India’s $175 million special economic package will fund projects in the areas of social housing, green mobility, defence, maritime security, vocational training and healthcare.
“The Indian Ocean unites us and we are committed to ensuring that it remains a beacon of peace and shared prosperity,” Herminie said.
The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the crisis in West Asia and maritime challenges such as piracy, illegal fishing and drug trafficking.
Modi noted that his visit coincided with the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, and said that the two sides had transformed friendship into trust.
He said: “Today we discussed ways to make our economic cooperation more flexible and prepared for the future.” “We will also enhance connectivity between India and Seychelles. This will not only boost our bilateral trade but will also strengthen our relations with East Africa and the Indian Ocean region.”
Among the agreements signed is the Extradition Treaty, which aims to strengthen cooperation against transnational crime and strengthen the legal framework for the extradition of fugitives.
The two sides also concluded a comprehensive line of credit agreement worth Rs $Rs 1,250 crore to support infrastructure and development projects under India’s special economic package announced during President Hermini’s visit to India in February.
The Memorandum of Understanding between NPCI International Payments Ltd and the Central Bank of Seychelles will pave the way for the rollout of the UPI digital payments system in Seychelles.
Indian Foreign Minister Vikram Misri said the system is expected to become operational by the end of the year.
Other agreements included recognition of training and certification of Indian seafarers working on board Seychelles-flagged ships, cooperation in satellite and space technology applications, development of the new Seychelles National Hospital, training of diplomats and cooperation in agricultural research.
The two sides also held a virtual groundbreaking ceremony for the Seychelles Vocational and Technical Education Centre.
India announced the completion of the refurbishment of the Seychelles Coast Guard ship “Zarathushtra” and the modernization of the Dornier surveillance aircraft that was provided earlier.
Al Masri said India also delivered more than 500 metric tons of rice to enhance food security and 8,500 metric tons of cement to support infrastructure projects.
Herminie requested India’s help in providing an advanced light helicopter and establishing centers for cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
Modi said India would consider the proposals.
Seychelles has awarded the title of “Blue Horizon Guardian”, a symbolic presidential recognition, to Prime Minister Modi for his leadership in sustainable development, ocean management, climate action and blue economy advancement.
Modi dedicated this honor to all countries that face the challenge of climate change and consider preserving the environment their responsibility towards future generations.
Prime Minister Modi has received other awards for his work on climate action and green growth, such as the Agricola Medal from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in May 2026, the Seoul Peace Prize in 2018, and the Champions of the Earth Award from the United Nations in 2018.
