President Droupadi Murmu today received Seychelles President Patrick Herminie at Rashtrapati Bhavan and hosted a banquet in his honour. Welcoming President Herminie, President Murmu said, India’s relationship with Seychelles is based on mutual trust and respect, and shared belief in democracy and pluralism. She said, the waves of the Indian Ocean and the deep cultural links between our peoples bind us together. President Murmu said, this year, Seychelles is celebrating 50 years of its independence, and we are also commemorating the 50th anniversary of India-Seychelles diplomatic relations. She highlighted that Seychelles occupies an important place in India’s MAHASAGAR Vision, which aims to further strengthen cooperation based on the pillars of trade for development, capacity building for sustainable development and mutual security for a shared future. She emphasised that under this vision, India remains ever ready to meet Seychelles’ developmental and security needs.

President Murmu expressed confidence that the Special Economic Package announced during this visit will infuse new momentum into India-Seychelles cooperation in several priority sectors of Seychelles, such as health, infrastructure, education, defence, and capacity building.

Both leaders agreed that there is immense potential between the two nations to further deepen the bilateral cooperation. President Murmu added that the India-Seychelles Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages will provide a strong foundation for cooperation in the years ahead.