Why in news?
India and Seychelles held a business roundtable in Mumbai as part of the MAHASAGAR vision for cooperation in the Indian Ocean. The event marked fifty years of diplomatic relations between the two countries and highlighted opportunities in maritime trade, renewable energy and tourism. Seychelles’ acting president and India’s minister for ports and shipping chaired the discussions.
Background
Seychelles is an archipelago of about 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean. Located roughly 1,600 kilometres east of Kenya and 700 kilometres northeast of Madagascar, it comprises two distinct groups: the granitic islands around Mahé, where the capital Victoria is situated, and the coralline outer islands scattered across the ocean. The country enjoys a warm, humid climate moderated by sea breezes. The highest point is Morne Seychellois, which rises to 905 metres on Mahé.
Highlights of the roundtable
- MAHASAGAR vision: This initiative seeks to build a collaborative “Great Ocean” community in the Indian Ocean by promoting maritime trade, sustainable fisheries, port development and ocean‑based industries. Participants emphasised that economic growth must be balanced with the health of marine ecosystems.
- Blue economy partnerships: India and Seychelles explored cooperation in fishing, aquaculture, marine biotechnology and research. They discussed joint ventures to add value to fish catches and develop cold‑chain logistics.
- Renewable energy: Seychelles aims to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels. Indian companies were invited to invest in solar, wind and ocean‑energy projects on the islands, leveraging India’s experience with clean technologies.
- Tourism and connectivity: Both sides proposed expanding direct air and sea links to boost tourism and trade. Training programmes in hospitality and healthcare were also considered to enhance service quality.
- Security cooperation: Maritime security was identified as a common priority. Joint exercises, capacity building for coast guards and information sharing were highlighted to ensure safe sea lanes.
Importance of the relationship
- Shared heritage: India and Seychelles have long‑standing cultural and historical ties. Many Seychellois trace their ancestry to the Indian subcontinent, and Hindi and Tamil words appear in the local Creole language.
- Strategic location: Sitting astride major sea routes, Seychelles plays a key role in ensuring freedom of navigation in the Indian Ocean. Collaboration with India helps secure these routes against piracy and illegal fishing.
- Common vision: The MAHASAGAR framework reflects a shared commitment to prosperity, peace and sustainability in the region. By partnering on the blue economy and green energy, the two countries seek to create jobs without harming fragile marine environments.
Conclusion
The Indo–Seychelles partnership exemplifies how island nations and continental powers can work together for mutual benefit. Through investments in sustainable industries and maritime security, both countries aim to realise the promise of the Indian Ocean as a source of wealth and stability.
Source: Press Information Bureau
