MAHASAGAR Vision: Sonowal Discusses Economic Cooperation and Security Strategy with Seychelles

India's engagement with Seychelles is guided by the MAHASAGAR vision, focusing on economic cooperation, sustainability, and security in the Indian Ocean Region. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted this at the India-Seychelles Business Roundtable in Mumbai. The event, attended by Seychelles President Patrick Herminie, explored opportunities for collaboration in maritime trade, blue economy sectors, and sustainable development.

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Organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) with the Ministry of External Affairs, the roundtable attracted various business entities. Participants included representatives from infrastructure, ports, fisheries, health, education, fintech, and automobile sectors. Senior officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and related organisations also attended.

Economic Cooperation and Sustainability

Sonowal emphasised India's pivotal moment supported by domestic demand, reform-oriented policies, and infrastructure investment. He noted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's focus on neighbourhood-first engagement and ocean-based cooperation. This strategic direction enhances India's ties with Indian Ocean island nations like Seychelles.

India and Seychelles share a vision of the Indian Ocean as a region of peace and shared prosperity. Sonowal stated that India's expertise in port-led development, logistics, maritime services, and renewable energy aligns with Seychelles' development goals. Mumbai's financial ecosystem can support innovation and financial inclusion initiatives in Seychelles.

Historical Ties and Modern Collaboration

The relationship between India and Seychelles is rooted in history and strengthened by people-to-people connections. Maritime exchanges predate modern diplomacy. This partnership has evolved into a friendly relationship based on democratic values, pluralism, and mutual respect. Cooperation spans development assistance, capacity building, education, healthcare, maritime security, and disaster response.

Indian exports to Seychelles include pharmaceuticals, food products, textiles, engineering goods, construction materials, automobiles, and consumer products. Indian companies have contributed to infrastructure development, energy projects, construction, and services in Seychelles.

The roundtable provided a platform to deepen cooperation between India and Seychelles in various sectors. Both countries aim to enhance their partnership through mutual interests in economic growth and sustainable development within the Indian Ocean Region.

With inputs from PTI