Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan departed for Seychelles on Sunday to attend the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Patrick Herminie.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that during his visit, the Vice President will convey India’s congratulations to Herminie and reaffirm the longstanding and time-tested ties between the two nations.
In a post on X, the MEA stated, “Adding further momentum in India-Seychelles bilateral ties. Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan has departed for Seychelles to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Dr Patrick Herminie, President-elect of the Republic of Seychelles.”
The visit underscores India’s commitment to strengthening and expanding its partnership with Seychelles. Bilateral relations are built on historical contacts and continued Indian support for the island nation’s security. The MEA added that India-Seychelles ties embody close friendship, understanding, and cooperation.
“Seychelles is an important partner under India’s Vision MAHASAGAR and in our commitment to the Global South. The visit underscores India’s deep commitment to further strengthen and expand its partnership with Seychelles,” the MEA said in a statement.
India’s historical ties with Seychelles date back to 1770, when a small group of five Indians arrived on the islands as plantation workers alongside seven African slaves and 15 French colonists. Subsequent migration brought a growing Indian trading community to the region.
Also Read : VP Radhakrishnan's Chennai home bomb threat found hoax
Diplomatic relations were formally established after Seychelles gained independence on 26 June 1976. An Indian Naval Ship, INS Nilgiri, participated in the Independence Day celebrations.
The Indian Mission in Victoria was opened in 1979, initially with the High Commissioner based in Dar-es-Salaam and concurrently accredited to Seychelles. The first resident High Commissioner was appointed in 1987, while Seychelles opened its mission in New Delhi in 2008.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Seychelles in March 2015, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 34 years, four major agreements and MoUs were signed.
These included the inauguration of the Coastal Surveillance Radar System Project, the announcement of gifting a second Dornier aircraft to Seychelles, and a three-month gratis visa facility for Seychelles nationals travelling to India.
Follow us
