UPI Payments, Defence Cooperation: India, Seychelles Sign 19 Agreements During PM Modi's Visit

India and Seychelles have signed 19 agreements spanning defence, maritime security, digital payments, healthcare, space cooperation and the Blue Economy, significantly expanding their strategic partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the island nation.

The agreements were signed following delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Modi and Seychelles President Patrick Herminie in Victoria, with both leaders pledging to strengthen cooperation across security, trade, technology and sustainable development.

Key Agreements Signed

The 19 pacts cover cooperation in several sectors, including:

• Implementation of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Seychelles.
• Defence and maritime security cooperation, including capacity building.
• Blue Economy and sustainable ocean management.
• Healthcare, including affordable medicines and medical cooperation.
• Space collaboration and satellite applications.
• Agriculture and food security.
• Digital governance and technology partnerships.
• Foreign service training and diplomatic cooperation.
• Seafloor and ocean research.
• Construction of a new national hospital and other development projects.

The two countries also agreed to expand collaboration in climate resilience, renewable energy and coastal management as part of their broader vision for sustainable

development in the Indian Ocean region.

Strengthening India’s Indian Ocean Strategy

The agreements build on the India-Seychelles Joint Vision (SESEL) adopted earlier this year and reinforce New Delhi’s MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) initiative aimed at enhancing security and prosperity across the Indian Ocean.

During the visit, India also handed over a Made-in-India fast patrol vessel, six ambulances, 10 utility vehicles and five training boats to strengthen Seychelles’ maritime surveillance and emergency response capabilities.

Marking 50 Years Of Diplomatic Ties

Prime Minister Modi is in Seychelles as the Guest of Honour for the country’s Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations, which also mark 50 years of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles.

Both leaders said the new agreements would deepen bilateral cooperation while promoting peace, security and sustainable development across the Western Indian Ocean.