India–Seychelles | 09 Feb 2026

Source: PIB

Recently, India and Seychelles discussed strengthening maritime trade and blue economy cooperation at a Business Roundtable in Mumbai, underscoring Seychelles’ strategic role in India’s Indian Ocean outreach under the MAHASAGAR vision. 

• Identified areas of cooperation include the blue economy, tourism, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, skills development and financial services. 
• The partnership is being advanced through India’s neighbourhood-first and ocean-based cooperation approach, with a shared vision of a peaceful and prosperous Indian Ocean region. 

Seychelles 

• Seychelles is a sovereign island nation and archipelagic state of 155 islands, located in the western Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar and off the east coast of mainland Africa. 
  • The islands of Seychelles are situated on the Mascarene Plateau, an extensive submarine plateau in the Indian Ocean. 
• It is Africa’s smallest and least populated country.  
• Capital: Victoria (on Mahé Island). 
• Strategic Importance for India:  It sits along crucial maritime trade routes in the Indian Ocean and plays a key role in anti-piracy operations, maritime security, and the Blue Economy. 
  • Seychelles is a vital partner in India’s SAGAR  vision and Indian Ocean diplomacy.