India’s engagements with the western Indian Ocean island states (Mauritius, Seychelles, Reunion Island (France) and Madagascar) are notable, and New Delhi has invested enormous politico-diplomatic-strategic-economic-development capital bilaterally, as well as through multilateral forums such as IORA, IONS, Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) and G20 (emphasis on Small Island Developing States). These countries have warmly welcomed multiple Indian initiatives and acknowledged New Delhi as a trustworthy security partner.

In this context, the 39-para India – Seychelles Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL) signed during the recent visit by Dr. Patrick Herminie, President of the Republic of Seychelles to India from 5 to 10 February 2026 pivots on the reaffirmation by the both countries that India and Seychelles are “close maritime neighbours, enjoy a special and time-tested partnership built on ties of history and kinship, and nurtured by the shared values of democracy and pluralism”.

The SESEL focus is on diverse issues such as “Political Exchanges”; “Development Partnership”; Cooperation in the fields of Health and Essential Commodities”; “Renewables, Climate Action, and Sustainability”; “Trade, Investment, Connectivity and Tourism”; “Defence Cooperation and Maritime Security”; Regional and Multilateral Cooperation”; and “People-to-People and Cultural Ties”.

The above thematic areas for cooperation may be quite typical and can be seen to be included in any bilateral statements emerging from of a State level visit; perhaps what is striking is the fact that Seychelles leads in development of Blue Economy in the Indian Ocean by virtue of 1.4 million square kilometers of Exclusive economic Zone (EEZ). The country is known for pioneering initiatives such as ‘sovereign blue bond’ and has developed a comprehensive Marine Spatial Plan for its EEZ. It merits attention that the country is “leveraging over 30% protected ocean territory to drive a sustainable economy, with 50% of GDP and 90% of exports stemming from ocean-related activities.” It is also investing in blue biotechnology which is fast “emerging as a promising frontier” and has the potential to lead “economic diversification, innovation, and sustainable development”. Seychelles is also member of the region action plan (Mauritius, Comoros, Madagascar, Seychelles, Mayotte, and Réunion) for development of blue biotechnology in the Indian Ocean for “sustainable applications in health, agri-food, aquaculture, and industrial bioprocessing”.

SESEL focus on Blue Economy requires elaboration. At the Mumbai Indo-Seychelles Business Roundtable, attended by Dr. Patrick Herminie and Me Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the latter emphasised “Blue economy offers significant scope, including fisheries, aquaculture, port development, marine infrastructure, ocean-based renewable energy and marine research. Tourism and hospitality, renewable energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, financial services, fintech, education and skills development also present strong opportunities for collaboration”

Seychelles must be also be seen through the prism of MAHASAGAR (Mutual And Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions), a laudable initiative by Prime Minister Modi. India sees the initiative as an opportunity to “play a vital role in bringing mutual trust and stability in the international order. India has prioritized cooperation for varied politico-diplomatic, economic and strategic transactions”. It “comes at a time when the international system is undergoing tumultuous changes marked by wars, conflict, and more recently due to tariffs that has shaken up the established global trading system, supply chains mechanism, amid fears of recession”.

SESEL also alludes to issues of maritime security wherein India has committed to augment Seychelles blue economy infrastructure. India can be credited with and possesses a “world class” hydrographic capability. It was agreed to “step up bilateral cooperation in the field of hydrography to support Seychelles’ efforts in accelerating its Blue Economy growth through the conduct of more joint hydrographic surveys. In this regard, Seychelles will establish a Seychelles Hydrographic Unit (SHU) with Indian assistance.

Being a small island state the country faces numerous security challenges (piracy, terrorism, illegal fishing, drug and drug smuggling) from non-state actors and therefore it has specific defence requirements. India has consistently provided technical support through refit of a vessel “Zoroaster” and has gifted 10 utility vehicles and 5 sets of laser radial boats to Seychelles.

While the India-Seychelles bilateral relations are quite promising, the latter has not kept China out from its politico-diplomatic architecture. It welcomed Chinese warships at Port Victoria for technical and logistical support (47th naval escort taskforce in November 2025) and is looking to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Seychelles-China relations in 2026. Importantly, Seychelles is part of the larger Chinese Maritime Silk Road under the Belt Road Initiative as well as Beijing’s focus on elevating the China-Seychelles strategic partnership to new heights.

Dr. Vijay Sakhuja is former Director National Maritime Foundation, New Delhi and is associated with Kalinga International Foundation, New Delhi.