The President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu received the President of the Republic of Seychelles Dr Patrick Herminie at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (February 9, 2026). She also hosted a banquet in his honour. Welcoming President Herminie on his first State visit to India, the President said that India’s relationship with Seychelles is based on mutual trust and respect, and shared belief in democracy and pluralism.
The waves of the Indian Ocean and the deep cultural links between our peoples bind us together. The President said that this year, Seychelles is celebrating 50 years of its independence and we are also commemorating the 50th anniversary of India–Seychelles diplomatic relations.
Therefore, this visit is taking place at a very special time. The President said 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. The President 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.
She said that the “India–Seychelles Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages” will provide a strong foundation for our cooperation in the years ahead. The two leaders agreed that there is immense potential to further deepen India-Seychelles bilateral cooperation.
They expressed confidence that in the coming years, the two countries will come even closer in the mutual interest of our peoples and for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region.