PM Modi's Seychelles Visit Matters More Than You Think

Описание: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Seychelles visit marks 50 years of diplomatic ties and highlights the island nation’s growing importance in India’s Indian Ocean strategy. From maritime security and MAHASAGAR to trade, digital infrastructure and climate cooperation, here’s why Seychelles matters far beyond its size
When Modi introduced the SAGAR doctrine — Security and Growth for All in the Region — in 2015, the framework primarily centred on ensuring collective maritime security, strengthening regional partnerships and encouraging cooperation among countries sharing the Indian Ocean.
Over the past decade, however, both the regional and global strategic landscape have undergone significant transformation.
Maritime security today is closely intertwined with issues such as climate change, digital connectivity, resilient supply chains, renewable energy, disaster preparedness, food security and sustainable economic development.
India has gradually expanded its maritime vision through MAHASAGAR — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
Maritime security remains the foundation of ties
For more than two decades, India has consistently supported Seychelles in strengthening its ability to monitor and protect one of the largest Exclusive Economic Zones in the western Indian Ocean.
Given the country’s EEZ of over 1.3 million square kilometres, maintaining surveillance across such an extensive maritime area presents significant challenges for a small island nation with limited resources.
One of the most important has been the establishment of Coastal Surveillance Radar Systems across Seychelles. These radar stations enhance Maritime Domain Awareness by enabling authorities to monitor vessel movements across surrounding waters in real time.
India has also supplied several maritime assets to the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces (SPDF), including interceptor boats, fast patrol vessels and Dornier maritime surveillance aircraft.
Digital diplomacy emerges as a new pillar
India’s experience in building Digital Public Infrastructure has increasingly attracted attention from countries seeking affordable, scalable and inclusive governance solutions.Platforms such as Aadhaar, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and DigiLocker have demonstrated how digital systems can improve public service delivery while expanding financial inclusion.