Diplomatic Relations
India and Seychelles established diplomatic ties following Seychelles' independence in 1976, marking the beginning of a long-standing partnership between the two nations. India has maintained a resident High Commissioner in Victoria, Seychelles, since 1987, underscoring the importance of this bilateral relationship. In 2008, Seychelles reciprocated by opening its resident mission in New Delhi, further formalizing their diplomatic exchanges. The relationship is characterized by warmth and mutual respect, reflected in the numerous high-level visits that have taken place over the years. Notable Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Presidents R. Venkataraman and Pratibha Patil, have visited Seychelles. In turn, several Presidents from Seychelles, such as France Albert Rene, James Alix Michel, and Danny Faure, have made significant state visits to India.
Multifaceted Cooperation
The cooperation between India and Seychelles spans various sectors, including defense, culture, trade, and technical assistance. Both countries have engaged in joint initiatives to bolster maritime security, particularly given Seychelles' strategic location in the Indian Ocean. India has provided considerable support in defense training and capacity building for Seychelles, helping to enhance its national security apparatus. Cultural ties are also significant, with various exchanges in art, education, and tourism strengthening the bonds between the people of both nations. The Ministry of External Affairs of India describes this relationship as one marked by "close friendship, understanding, and cooperation," while Seychelles has positioned itself as a "rock of dependability for India in the Indian Ocean region."
Strategic Considerations
In the context of its foreign relations, Seychelles has skillfully navigated its partnerships with India and China, leveraging the rivalry between these major powers to maximize national benefits. As a strategically located island nation in a critical maritime region, Seychelles plays a key role in regional security and trade dynamics. Its diplomatic strategy not only positions it favorably in international politics but also fosters economic growth and development through investment and aid from both India and China. This balancing act enables Seychelles to maintain its sovereignty while capitalizing on the opportunities presented by its relationships with these influential neighboring countries.
Economic Cooperation between India and Seychelles
India and Seychelles have maintained a steadily growing economic relationship, particularly marked by their focus on sectors such as tourism, fishing, and telecommunications. As reported in 2010-11, trade figures between the two countries stood at a modest US$40 million, with the balance of trade skewed significantly in favor of India. This disparity underscores the potential for growth in trade and investment, particularly as both nations seek to leverage their strengths in various fields.
Recognizing the potential for deeper economic ties, India and Seychelles have pinpointed several areas for cooperation, including petroleum exploration, communications, IT, computer education, and pharmaceuticals. These sectors are crucial not only for bolstering economic growth but also for fostering innovation and sustainability in both countries. For instance, Seychelles’ strategic location in the Indian Ocean presents opportunities for India in maritime security and trade routes, while India’s technological advancements can aid in Seychelles' development.
The bilateral investment promotion agreement signed in 2010 marked a significant step forward in fostering a conducive environment for investment. This agreement was complemented by a $50 million line of credit and a $25 million grant provided by India during President Pratibha Patil's visit to Seychelles in 2012. These financial arrangements exemplify India's commitment to supporting Seychelles’ development goals and enhancing their bilateral ties.
India's private sector has also played an important role in Seychelles' economic landscape. Notably, the telecom giant Airtel has established a significant footprint in the nation, having acquired Telecom Seychelles and engaged in the Seychelles East Africa submarine cable project. This investment not only reflects the growing business interests of Indian companies in Seychelles but also contributes to enhancing the digital connectivity of the region. Overall, the evolving economic relations between India and Seychelles illustrate a partnership that is poised for greater growth and mutual benefit in the years to come.
Defence Cooperation
India and Seychelles share a robust and strategic defence relationship that has evolved over the years, significantly shaped by geographical and geopolitical realities in the Indian Ocean Region. Positioned close to vital shipping lanes, Seychelles plays a pivotal role in India’s maritime strategy, particularly in efforts to combat seaborne terrorism and piracy. This strategic importance has spurred various joint initiatives and collaborative measures aimed at enhancing the security and defence capabilities of Seychelles, as well as safeguarding regional stability.
The historical context of India-Seychelles defence cooperation can be traced back to significant events in the late 1980s. For instance, in June 1986, the Indian Navy's intervention during the attempted coup against President France-Albert René, termed as Operation Flowers are Blooming, marked a significant expression of India's commitment to the sovereignty of Seychelles. The swift actions taken by India to support the democratically elected leader not only foiled the immediate crisis but also laid the groundwork for a long-standing partnership. The subsequent involvement of Indian leadership, including Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's assistance during another attempted coup later that year, further solidified the bond between the two nations.
In subsequent years, India has proactively supported Seychelles in enhancing its maritime security capabilities. Following a request in 2009, the Indian Navy deployed ships to patrol Seychelles’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), specifically targeting piracy threats prevalent in the region. Beyond naval deployments, India has equipped Seychelles' defence forces with vital assets such as Dornier 228 aircraft and Chetak helicopters. Furthermore, India has bolstered Seychelles armed forces through capacity-building initiatives, including the posting of Indian armed forces officers to assist in various military training and operational capacities.
The strategic partnership has also seen Seychelles leasing the Assumption Island to the Indian Navy, allowing for the establishment of an Indian naval base that reinforces operational readiness in the Indian Ocean. As part of this cooperative framework, the Indian Army is assisting in infrastructure development, upgrading the existing airfield, while the navy has been granted permission to create a deep-sea port facility to enhance logistics and operational capabilities. The resettlement of local residents to another island, facilitated by the Indian government, underscores the collaborative efforts undertaken to ensure mutual benefits from this strategic enhancement.
In a significant move to further bolster defence ties, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a financial credit of USD 100 million to Seychelles in June 2018, aimed at the development of its defence capabilities. This commitment not only reflects the growing partnership but also symbolizes India's ongoing pledge to support its allies in securing their sovereignty and enhancing regional maritime security. The appointment of an Indian naval officer as Seychelles' maritime security advisor exemplifies the deepening of this strategic relationship, fostering greater cooperation in addressing shared security challenges in the vital Indian Ocean region.
Technical Cooperation
India and Seychelles have maintained a robust partnership in technical cooperation, particularly focusing on human resource development and capacity building since the early 1980s. This collaboration falls under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, which aims to enhance the capacities of various nations by providing training and expertise across diverse fields. The initiative has seen a steady increase in its scope, addressing critical areas such as education, technology, and vocational training, thereby significantly contributing to the development of skilled professionals in Seychelles.
Healthcare is another essential aspect of bilateral relations, with India serving as a prominent medical tourism destination for Seychellois citizens. The Government of Seychelles has strategically partnered with Indian healthcare institutions, such as MIOT Hospitals and the Madras Medical Mission based in Chennai, to ensure that its citizens receive high-quality medical care. These collaborations not only facilitate access to advanced medical treatment but also enhance the healthcare system of Seychelles through knowledge transfer and capacity building.
The two nations are also committed to environmental protection and sustainable development. With the increasing global focus on renewable energy, India is taking significant steps by establishing a solar power cluster in Seychelles. This initiative aims to harness Seychelles' abundant sunlight, promoting sustainable energy solutions and reducing the nation's reliance on fossil fuels. Such projects are vital, as they contribute to combating climate change and fostering economic growth through sustainable practices.
Moreover, Seychelles is actively marketing itself as a tourist destination in India, aiming to boost the number of Indian visitors. Although only about 8,200 Indian tourists visited Seychelles in 2010, there is substantial potential for growth in this sector. The Seychelles Tourism Board has engaged in promotional activities to attract more Indian travelers by showcasing the country's natural beauty, pristine beaches, and cultural richness. As the nations strengthen their ties, the tourism sector is expected to flourish, benefiting the economies of both India and Seychelles.