India-Seychelles Relations – Explained Pointwise

The President of Seychelles, Patrick Herminie, is on a visit to India – which came within the first 100 days of his swearing-in & coincides with the 50th anniversary of Seychelles independence & 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries – indicating the importance of India for the island nation. The leaders of the both the countries reaffirmed that as a close maritime neighbours they share a special partnership rooted in history, kinship and shared democratic values.

Table of Content

Key takeaways from the recent visit What is the significance of Seychelles for India? What is the significance of India for Seychelles? What are the challenges in the India-Seychelles relations? What are the various initiatives to boost the ties?

Key takeaways from the recent visit: Adoption of a Joint Vision – “SESEL”: India and Seychelles adopted the Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL), setting a roadmap for deeper cooperation in development, security, and technology. $175 Million Special Economic Package: India announced a $175 million economic package for Seychelles. The funding targets infrastructure, public housing, mobility, capacity building, health, defence, and maritime security projects. Seven MoUs were signed to expand cooperation in health, digital transformation, meteorological cooperation etc. Maritime Security and Defence: The visit solidified Seychelles’ role in India’s Vision MAHASAGAR.

What is the significance of Seychelles for India?

1. Geopolitical Importance:
   1. Strategic Location: Situated in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles acts as a key maritime neighbor to India. Its location provides India with a critical foothold in the region to counteract influences from other powers, particularly China.
   2. Security Cooperation: India and Seychelles have strengthened military and security ties, conducting joint exercises and sharing intelligence to tackle piracy and other maritime security challenges.
2. Economic Importance:
   1. Trade Relations: Seychelles is a growing market for Indian goods and services, including pharmaceuticals, food products, and construction materials. The bilateral trade has seen significant growth over the years.
   2. Investment Opportunities: Indian companies are investing in sectors like tourism, renewable energy, and fisheries in Seychelles, contributing to the country’s economic development.
3. Environmental Cooperation:
   1. Conservation Efforts: Seychelles is known for its biodiversity and unique ecosystems. India collaborates with Seychelles in conservation efforts, especially concerning marine ecosystems and threatened species.
   2. Climate Change: Both countries share concerns regarding climate change impacts in the Indian Ocean region and work together on sustainability initiatives.
4. Cultural Connections:
   1. Diaspora Ties: About 11% of the Seychellois population is of Indian origin, creating a strong cultural bridge and “soft power” influence that stabilizes the political relationship. This community plays a vital role in strengthening bilateral relations.
   2. Cultural Exchange Programs: Various cultural initiatives, including festivals and art exhibitions, enhance mutual understanding and build goodwill.

What is the significance of India for Seychelles?

1. Economic Importance:
   1. Trade Relations: India is one of Seychelles’ significant trading partners. Indian goods, particularly in pharmaceuticals, food products, and textiles, are vital for the local market.
   2. Foreign Investment: Indian investments in sectors like tourism, energy, and infrastructure have contributed to Seychelles’ economic growth and development, enhancing local business opportunities.
2. Strategic & Security Cooperation:
   1. Geopolitical Stability: India’s presence in the Indian Ocean helps Seychelles counterbalance potential risks from other regional powers, enhancing the nation’s strategic security framework.
   2. Military Partnerships: Seychelles and India conduct joint naval exercises and training, reinforcing military ties that aid Seychelles in maintaining maritime security, particularly against piracy.
3. Environmental Collaboration:
   1. Sustainable Development: Both nations work together on initiatives for environmental protection, focusing on the conservation of marine biodiversity and combating climate change, which is particularly impactful for island nations like Seychelles.
   2. Disaster Relief: India has provided assistance during natural disasters, showcasing its commitment to supporting Seychelles in times of need.
4. Cultural & Social Connections:
   1. Diaspora Influence: A historical Indian diaspora enriches Seychelles’ cultural landscape, promoting cultural exchanges and fostering connections between the two nations.
   2. Educational Initiatives: India offers scholarship programs for Seychellois students in various fields, enhancing educational opportunities and fostering long-term relations.

What are the challenges in the India-Seychelles relations?

1. Geopolitical Tensions:
   1. Chinese Influence: Seychelles has been increasingly engaging with China, which raises concerns for India. Beijing’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean can challenge India’s strategic interests in the region.
   2. Naval Competition: The presence of foreign naval forces, particularly from China, could complicate India’s military and maritime strategies in the region, potentially leading to tension.
2. Economic Issues:
   1. Trade Imbalance: While trade relations have grown, a significant trade imbalance favoring India persists. This could lead to concerns in Seychelles regarding dependency on Indian goods.
   2. Investment Challenges: Implementation of Indian investments can face bureaucratic hurdles or local resistance, slowing down developmental projects.
3. Environmental Concerns:
   1. Sustainable Development Pressures: Intensive development driven by foreign investments, including from India, might lead to environmental degradation, affecting Seychelles’ rich biodiversity and ecosystems.
   2. Climate Change Vulnerability: As a low-lying island nation, Seychelles is particularly vulnerable to climate change, and coordinating effective environmental initiatives can be challenging.
4. Cultural & Social Issues:
   1. Perceptions of Influence: Some citizens of Seychelles perceive Indian influence as overwhelming, which can lead to social tensions or anti-foreign sentiments, complicating diplomatic relations.
   2. Cultural Integration: Balancing local culture with influences from India may sometimes create friction, as the local identity is an important aspect of Seychelles’ society.
5. Political Factors:
   1. Domestic Politics: Changes in leadership or policy in either country can impact bilateral relations, sometimes leading to a reevaluation of priorities or strategies.
   2. Regional Instability: Political instability in neighboring countries or within Seychelles itself can complicate wider regional cooperation and affect bilateral dynamics.

What are the various initiatives to boost the ties?

1. Trade Agreements: India and Seychelles have negotiated trade agreements to enhance commercial exchanges and reduce tariffs, aiming to bolster bilateral trade.
2. Investment in Infrastructure: India has engaged in various infrastructure projects in Seychelles, including roads, hospitals, and housing, fostering development and strengthening economic ties.
3. The Assumption Island Project: India and Seychelles signed an agreement to develop a naval facility there. This would allow India to extend its reach in the Western Indian Ocean.
4. Joint Military Exercises: Regular naval exercises are conducted, such as the “Varuna” exercises, focusing on maritime security and anti-piracy operations, which enhance military collaboration.
5. Coast Guard Cooperation: India has trained Seychelles’ Coast Guard personnel and provided equipment, enhancing Seychelles’ capabilities to protect its maritime interests.
6. Digital India Initiative: India has extended its expertise in IT and digital technologies to help Seychelles improve its digital infrastructure and services. India is actively exporting its “Digital Public Infrastructure” (DPI) model to Seychelles such as UPI & other digital governance initiatives.
7. Skill Development: India provides training programs for Seychellois in diverse sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and tourism, fostering capacity building.
8. Participation in Multilateral Forums: Both nations collaborate on various global platforms, such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Colombo Security Conclave, where they can collectively address regional issues. Seychelles has officially joined the Colombo Security Conclave as a full member, solidifying a regional security bloc with India, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and the Maldives.
9. Blue Economy & Climate Action: As part of India’s MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), both countries are focusing on:
   1. Ocean Research: Agreements for joint ocean observation and maritime scientific research to protect coral reefs and manage fisheries.
   2. Renewable Energy: India is providing technical assistance for power grid management and e-mobility solutions (electric buses/cars) to help Seychelles meet its climate goals. 

UPSC GS-2: International Relations Read More: The Indian Express