India has taken a step further in its co-operation with Seychelles following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Patrick Herminie on Sunday, June 28.
The talks are part of Modi’s official state visit to Seychelles, a critically positioned nation in the Indian Ocean, where India aims to build up maritime security and economic prosperity.
Modi was conferred the honorary ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’ by Seychelles officials during the visit, a title he “humbly” accepted and dedicated to countries “fighting the challenge of climate change and considering environmental protection their responsibility towards future generations.”
From maritime security to economic package
A burgeoning co-operation took centre stage during the talks, paving the way for 19 outcomes across various industries such as defence, maritime security, digital payments, space, healthcare, agriculture, and education.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs particularly underscored the curation of an extradition treaty that will enable for the peaceful use of outer space, as well as an agreement to advance digital payments in Seychelles based in UPI, the instant payment system developed by the National Payments Corporation of India, among others, according to the Press Trust of India.
Speaking in a joint conference with Herminie, Modi stressed India’s $175-million economic package for Seychelles.
The package was first unveiled when Herminie visited India earlier this year.
“Under this initiative, work is being carried out in sectors such as social housing, transport, skill development, food security, education, and defence,” Modi said according to Deutsche Welle.
Modi also pointed out his government’s goal of maritime security, which is envisioned to go hand-in-hand with economic opportunities.
“We believe the Indian Ocean is our shared home. Its security, sustainability and prosperity are our shared responsibility,” he said.
Seychelles leader Herminie earlier underscored the importance of his nation’s ties with India, which he called a “steadfast friend”.
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Leaders skirt around Assumption Island issue
Meanwhile, India assured that it will take into account the priorities and interests of Seychelles when undertaking projects in the host nation.
This comes amid speculation about India’s role on Assumption Island, which has become a politically sensitive issue in Seychelles.
Proposals to develop the island – strategically situated near crucial shipping lanes in the western Indian Ocean – have ignited fierce political debate in the African country, with opposition pushing back against the proposed project.
They cited concerns about the country’s sovereignty and its ecology should military infrastructure development go ahead.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who was part of Modi’s delegation to Seychelles, told reporters the issue about Assumption Island did not figure in the talks between the two leaders.
Nevertheless, Misri said India was still “open” to discuss this particular matter if Seychelles decides to bring it up.
“Any project that we undertake in Seychelles or for that matter any foreign country, is ultimately guided by the priorities and the interests of the host government and the authorities in the host country,” he said.
He also reiterated that India’s bilateral relationship with Seychelles was “not transactional,” and instead based on “respect, trust and friendship”.
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