Anchoring the Indian Ocean

India’s vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) is steadily taking shape. India’s growing affinity with Seychelles shows that its MAHASAGAR vision is becoming a reality on the ground. Its engagement with Seychelles reflects New Delhi’s intent to be proactive in the Indian Ocean and to engage closely with its maritime neighbourhood. President Patrick Herminie’s State Visit to India is more than a routine diplomatic engagement. It marks the emergence of a new synergy between the two countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of a $175 million special economic package for Seychelles demonstrates how much value India assigns to the island nation. However, this is not merely a goodwill gesture; it is a calibrated investment in a partnership that is both historic and strategic. The two nations share over 50 years of uninterrupted diplomatic relations, a testament to their cooperation and smooth ties. The details of the package are noteworthy. By targeting social housing, e-mobility, vocational training, health, defence, and maritime security, India has crafted a development blueprint that balances human welfare with strategic stability. This is not simply an aid announcement; it is a statement of intent. Social housing and health infrastructure address immediate developmental needs. Vocational training creates pathways to employment. E-mobility aligns with global climate commitments. However, what makes the package particularly strategic is its emphasis on defence and maritime security. Seychelles occupies a strategic location in the western Indian Ocean. From this vantage point, it can help monitor vital global trade routes, which have gained significance due to ongoing tensions in the Gulf. In Seychelles, India has yet another partner in maritime security that can play a crucial role in safeguarding India’s supply lines.

Prime Minister Modi has reiterated that India’s development partnerships are guided by the “priorities and needs” of its partners. Indeed, this is a win-win situation for both countries, regardless of their size. Unlike China, India has consistently adopted a principle-based approach, earning trust and respect. For Seychelles, these targeted investments can have a transformative impact, particularly in employment generation and skill-building. The symbolism surrounding the visit adds another layer of depth. President Herminie’s tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat is deeply significant. Gandhi’s principles of non-violence and cooperation resonate in India’s diplomatic philosophy, especially in its engagement with the Global South. In recent years, India has positioned itself as a leading voice of the Global South and a key pillar of the Quad. India provides the Quad with its Indian Ocean anchor. With its strategic geography and naval reach, India plays a pivotal role in maintaining balance in the region.

As India positions itself as a voice for developing nations, its friendship with Seychelles demonstrates that it practises what it preaches. By combining development assistance with security cooperation, New Delhi signals that prosperity and stability are deeply intertwined.