India and Seychelles Strategic Relations and Ocean Partnership
#GS-2 #Bilateral Groupings & Agreements #International #Indian Ocean Region #Economy #Infrastructure #Environment
Why in News
- The Prime Minister of India visited Seychelles as the Guest of Honour for its 50th National Day celebrations.
- This visit marked the 50 th anniversary of India-Seychelles diplomatic relations and featured the unveiling of a special commemorative logo.
Key Outcomes of the Visit
- An agreement between NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) and the Central Bank of Seychelles will introduce India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to the island nation.
- India extended a rupee-denominated umbrella line of credit amounting to ₹1,250 crore to fund essential infrastructure development projects.
- An agreement with HLL Lifecare Limited will supply affordable Indian generic medicines, integrating Seychelles into India's flagship healthcare accessibility model.
- Both nations signed a framework agreement to build a modern New Seychelles National Hospital.
- An extradition treaty was established to simplify the transfer of fugitives and improve joint efforts against transnational crimes like drug trafficking.
- A new maritime agreement allows Indian seafarers with proper training certifications to work on Seychelles-flagged vessels.
- India’s Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Seychelles set up a joint training program for diplomats.
- An agreement was signed to cooperate on outer space exploration, satellite applications, and disaster management.
- The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) signed a research work plan with the Seychelles agriculture department for the next five years.
- India gifted a 'Made in India' Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) named PS LESPWAR to the Seychelles Coast Guard to boost maritime surveillance.
- The President of Seychelles awarded the 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' to the Indian Prime Minister for his global climate and marine leadership.
- These agreements put India's Vision MAHASAGAR into action by combining digital and health diplomacy with infrastructure support.
Strategic Importance of Seychelles
- Seychelles sits along vital Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs) and close to major maritime trade routes in the Indian Ocean.
- Partnering with Seychelles helps India counter competing strategic influence in the Western Indian Ocean.
- Seychelles connects to India's Coastal Surveillance Radar Network (CSRN) to improve maritime domain awareness and fight piracy.
- The island nation serves as a key partner in implementing India's SAGAR and MAHASAGAR initiatives across its 1.3 million sq km EEZ.
- As a member of the African Union (AU) and the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), Seychelles acts as a bridge for India's engagement with East Africa.
Bilateral Relations Overview
- India started diplomatic ties with Seychelles in 1976 right after its independence, with INS Nilgiri attending the celebrations.
- India maintains six Coastal Surveillance Radar Systems (CSRS) and conducts the joint military exercise LAMITYE with Seychelles.
- Bilateral trade remains modest at around USD 73 million for 2024-25 and is limited by a lack of direct shipping routes.
- Over 1% of the local population are alumni of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) training program.
- The local Indian community includes roughly 5,000 Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and 7,000 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).
Challenges in Bilateral Ties
- The Assumption Island naval project is currently stalled because of local sovereignty concerns.
- Seychelles struggles to monitor its large exclusive economic zone effectively against illegal fishing and drug smuggling.
- Bilateral trade stays low because of small market size and poor direct shipping connectivity.
- Limited administrative workforce in Seychelles causes delays in finishing Indian-funded infrastructure projects.
- Global disruptions like the West Asia crisis expose the island nation to severe supply chain vulnerabilities.
Way Forward
- Both nations must share intelligence in real-time through the IFC-IOR to stop illegal fishing and maritime crimes.
- India should connect its Deep Ocean Mission with Seychelles to turn the Blue Economy into a high-value biotech partnership.
- India can help Seychelles create independent capital by auditing and turning local ecosystems into Sovereign Blue Carbon Credits.
- ISRO can provide satellite support to map clean energy potential through Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC).
- Advanced technological monitoring of coral bleaching will help protect the local environment from climate change.
Prelims in Focus: An Ocean of Opportunity and Giant Tortoises
- The Ocean of Opportunity framework promotes inclusive maritime growth, digital connectivity, and climate resilience among Small Island Developing States.
- India shipped 8,500 metric tonnes of structural cement and 500 metric tonnes of staple rice to protect Seychelles from supply chain shocks.
- The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure helps island nations design climate-proof coastal ports and buildings.
- During his visit, the Prime Minister visited the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens and interacted with native giant tortoises.
- Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise living on the Aldabra Atoll, holds the Guinness World Record as the world’s oldest living land animal at 194 years old.