India on Monday announced a $175 million special economic package for Seychelles, marking a decisive new phase in bilateral ties as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Seychelles President Dr Patrick Herminie unveiled a joint vision for sustainable growth, maritime security and people-centric development in the Indian Ocean Region.The package — comprising $125 million as a rupee-denominated Line of Credit and $50 million in grant assistance — will support projects in social housing, e-mobility, vocational training, health, defence and maritime security, with a focus on employment and skill creation, particularly for Seychellois youth.The announcement came alongside the adoption of the India-Seychelles Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL).Addressing a joint presser, Modi said India-Seychelles relations were entering a “new phase”, rooted in shared history, trust and a common vision for the future. Describing Seychelles as an “integral part” of India’s MAHASAGAR Vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), the PM said cooperation between the two maritime neighbours spanned the maritime, land and air domains.Herminie is on his first visit to India since assuming office, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Seychelles’ independence and five decades of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Herminie described India as a trusted and reliable partner and thanked New Delhi for its long-standing development and security assistance.The two leaders agreed to deepen economic cooperation, including expanding trade in local currencies and advancing collaboration in fintech and digital solutions. An MoU on digital transformation was signed to enable Seychelles to leverage India’s experience in digital public infrastructure, including digital payments.Development cooperation remained a central pillar of the talks. Modi noted that India’s ITEC programme had played a significant role in capacity building and welcomed the signing of an MoU for training Seychellois civil servants in India.In the health sector, India committed to continued support through affordable medicines, medical tourism and health infrastructure development, including the donation of 10 fully equipped ambulances and cooperation under the jan aushadhi initiative following recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia.Addressing cost-of-living concerns in Seychelles, India agreed to collaborate on affordable healthcare and essential commodities, while Herminie expressed gratitude for India’s donation of 1,000 metric tonnes of grains to bolster food security.Maritime security and defence featured prominently, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to a free, open and secure Indian Ocean Region and cooperation against piracy, narcotics trafficking and illegal fishing.Modi welcomed Seychelles as a full member of the Colombo Security Conclave, while India agreed to continue joint maritime surveillance, hydrographic surveys and customised training, including support for establishing a Seychelles Hydrographic Unit.The talks also expanded cooperation in renewable energy, climate resilience and disaster preparedness, with Seychelles agreeing to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).Highlighting the strength of people-to-people ties, Modi praised the Indian community in Seychelles and said both sides would enhance exchanges in tourism, education, culture, sports and youth engagement.