Foreign Minister Vikram Misri said the UPI system will come into effect by the end of the year in Seychelles.
While addressing the special briefing on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Seychelles, Al-Masry said that although relations between the two countries have not yet reached a comprehensive economic partnership, they share an important core partnership.
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“In terms of cooperation with the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, Seychelles is a fairly significant user, and I don’t know how many ITEC slots you have per year? 90, so yes, there is significant use of ITEC training in a variety of areas by Seychelles. The timeline for UPI, I think it will be up and running by the end of the year. Yes, yes, so the goal is to have it up and running by the end of the year,” he said.
“Well, with regard to the comprehensive economic partnership, I can confirm that there have been discussions on this issue. I mean, at the moment, bilateral trade is not very large, but it would make sense. I think that given the importance of specific economic activities to the Seychelles economy, I think it would make sense to explore this idea and we will take it back to the authorities in India and try to see what we can do with this. As for naming the partnership, I don’t think there is any official naming yet, but there is enough in the relationship, especially what was achieved during the current visit, to be “It is a very essential partnership indeed.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Seychelles President Patrick Herminie held official talks on Sunday amid Prime Minister Modi’s ongoing state visit to the country. The talks covered the full scope of bilateral relations, with the leaders agreeing to further enhance cooperation across key fronts such as health, education and capacity building.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated, in an official statement, that the leaders discussed strengthening relations in the fields of health, education, capacity building, digital transformation, sustainable development, social infrastructure, renewable energy, maritime security and defence. They also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including challenges in the Indian Ocean region, such as illegal fishing, drug trafficking and piracy.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress made in implementing projects and initiatives under the special economic package announced by India. The Prime Minister reiterated India’s commitment to supporting Seychelles’ development priorities and further deepening the close and enduring partnership between the two countries.
Meanwhile, earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Bernard George, Leader of the Opposition in the Seychelles National Assembly.
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