India on Monday announced a $175 million special economic package for Seychelles to support housing, health, defense and maritime security, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Seychelles President Patrick Harmini explored ways to strengthen trade, development cooperation and maritime security in the western Indian Ocean.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Seychelles President Patrick Harmini ahead of their meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi (PTI)Harmini, who was elected last October, arrived in India last week with a delegation that included seven ministers, senior officials and business leaders on his first visit to the country. He initially traveled to Chennai, a destination popular with Seychellois residents for medical treatment, and Mumbai for business meetings before arriving in Delhi.
During talks between Modi and Harmini on Monday, the two sides signed seven agreements on cooperation in areas including pharmaceuticals, digital governance, ocean monitoring, data sharing, marine scientific research and training of Seychellois officials.
Modi during a joint media interaction with Harmini noted that Seychelles is an integral part of India’s ocean vision and a trusted partner and said both sides agreed to deepen economic cooperation by expanding trade in local currencies and collaborating on fintech and digital solutions.
Pointing to the development partnership that serves as a pillar of India-Seychelles relations, Modi said: “Based on this aspect, today we are announcing a special economic package of $175 million. This package will support concrete projects in areas like social housing, e-mobility, vocational training, health, defense and maritime security.”
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The package includes $125 million in assistance under a rupee-denominated line of credit, $50 million in grants for development projects, training of civilian and defense officials, and maritime security, and the supply of 1,000 tons of grains and lentils.
The MoU will see India share its expertise with Seychelles on digital transformation and India will continue its work in the health sector by providing affordable and quality medicines and developing health infrastructure, Modi said.
Harmini said the two sides discussed a joint vision for cooperation over the next five years, with economic engagement and development assistance identified as priority areas. He highlighted India’s important role in healthcare, including sharing of medical expertise and access to specialized care for Seychellois at medical facilities in Chennai.
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Both leaders stressed the importance of joint action to ensure security in the Indian Ocean. “Defense cooperation and maritime security are important pillars of our partnership. We welcome Seychelles as a full member of the Colombo Security Conclave. This will strengthen our mutual coordination and efforts to ensure peace and stability in the Indian Ocean,” Modi said.
Harmini said that bilateral cooperation in maritime surveillance and security plays an important role in combating transnational crime, piracy and other maritime threats and securing critical sea lanes. “As an Indian Ocean nation, maritime security and regional stability are central to our relationship,” he said.
As part of security cooperation, India will refit a Seychelles Coast Guard vessel and gift 10 utility vehicles and five Laser Radial-class boats to the Seychelles Defense Force. The Indian side will also donate 10 ambulances and help set up a hydrographic unit in Seychelles.
A joint vision for sustainability, economic growth and security issued by the two sides said their cooperation in maritime security strengthens regional stability. Both sides are committed to “ensure a free, open, safe and secure Indian Ocean” based on respect for international law and will work together to combat piracy, drug smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal and unregulated fishing.
Both sides will support recruitment and deputation of medical specialists, nurses, paramedics and technicians from India to Seychelles, strengthen cooperation in public health and jointly help build a new hospital in Seychelles, the document said.
