India Seychelles Relations: History, Political, Defence, Commercial, and Cultural Relations

The diplomatic relationship between the Republic of India and the Republic of Seychelles is an important connection that has been shaped over years of mutual cooperation and shared interests. Recently, this relationship garnered attention when Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and President Wavell Ramkalawan of Seychelles held a high-profile virtual event on April 9th, 2021. During this event, they inaugurated ten significant community projects that are expected to have a profound impact on the people of Seychelles.

This article seeks to delve deeper into the dynamics of the India-Seychelles relationship, providing context for those preparing for the IAS Exam.

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History of India Seychelles Relations

The diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles date back to 1976 when Seychelles gained independence. Since then, the relationship has been marked by cordiality, with high-level visits and exchanges happening regularly.

Notable dignitaries from India, including Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Presidents R Venkataraman and Pratibha Patil, have visited Seychelles. Similarly, Seychelles has been represented by Presidents France Albert Rene, James Alix Michel, and Danny Faure during their state visits to India.

The relationship between India and Seychelles is multi-faceted, encompassing various sectors such as defence, culture, trade, and technical cooperation.

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Political Relations

• India and Seychelles share a history of friendship. This dates back to Seychelles' independence in 1976.
• Diplomatic ties were established in 1979, with both countries opening missions in each other's capitals.
• Numerous agreements and MOUs have been signed covering various sectors including culture, air services, tourism, trade, defense, and technology.
• High-level visits have been frequent. Leaders from both countries visit each other regularly.

Bilateral Agreements

Several agreements have been signed covering areas such as cultural exchange, air services, tourism, trade, defense, and technology.

Notable agreements include those on renewable energy cooperation, hydrography, and the development of facilities on Assumption Island.

Defence Cooperation

Defence ties between India and Seychelles have been strong due to the strategic location of Seychelles in the Indian Ocean. In 1986, the Indian Navy deployed INS Vidhyagiri at the port of Victoria in response to a coup attempt against President Rene by Defence Minister Berlois. This operation was named Operation Flowers are Blooming.

India played a crucial role in averting another attempted coup by Berlouis in September 1986. Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi lent his plane to President René so that he could return from an international meeting in Harare to Seychelles. President René reportedly took refuge in the residence of the Indian High Commissioner in Male.

In 2009, at the request of Seychelles, India dispatched naval ships to patrol the exclusive economic zone of Seychelles and protect it against piracy. Several Indian Navy ships, including INS Tarmugli, INS Sukanya, INS Shardul, have visited Seychelles as part of their anti-piracy deployment and protection of Seychelles EEZ.

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Development Assistance

• India has provided generous assistance to Seychelles. This includes training programs under the ITEC program, financial aid, and material assistance.
• Development projects such as the Pan-African satellite tele-medicine system and the IT Centre for Excellence have been established with Indian assistance.

Commercial Relations

• Several sectors, including tourism, fishing, petroleum exploration, communications, IT, computer education, and pharmaceuticals, have been identified as potential areas for economic cooperation between the two countries. In 2010, India and Seychelles signed a bilateral investment promotion agreement. 
• India has been involved in human resource development and capacity building in Seychelles under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme since the early 1980s. Seychellois citizens often choose India as a destination for medical tourism, and the Government of Seychelles has partnered with MIOT Hospitals and Madras Medical Mission in Chennai to provide healthcare services.
• Economic cooperation between the two countries has room for growth, with Seychelles importing various goods from India.
• Indian companies, including Bank of Baroda and Bharti Airtel, have made significant investments in Seychelles.

Cultural Relations

• Cultural exchanges between India and Seychelles have been significant. Events like Seychelles India Day and IndiaFest promote cultural understanding.
• Celebrations like the International Day of Yoga have been observed. This showcases cultural ties between the two nations.

Indian Diaspora

• The Indian community in Seychelles, primarily originating from Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, has played a significant role in various sectors.
• They celebrate Indian festivals and organize cultural events, contributing to the vibrant multicultural fabric of Seychelles.

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