Seychelles President Patrick Herminie to visit India in February

President Patrick Herminie of the Republic of Seychelles will pay a State Visit to India from February 5 to 10, following an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. President Herminie will travel to India for his first official visit since taking office in October last year.

The visit holds significant value as it occurs during the 50th anniversary celebration of diplomatic ties between India and Seychelles, which has lasted for five decades.

The visit of President Patrick Herminie holds critical significance for the development of India-Seychelles diplomatic relations.

The Ministry of External Affairs of India (MEA) considers Seychelles to be an essential maritime partner with which India shares maritime borders in the Indian Ocean area. The island nation maintains special status in India’s Vision MAHASAGAR, which focuses on regional security and international development through international partnerships.

The MEA said the visit is expected to strengthen bilateral ties, build trust, and add momentum to cooperation between the two countries, especially after the Vice President of India visited Seychelles in October 2025.

Who will President Herminie meet during his India trip?

President Herminie will meet the President of India and conduct talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to India. The leaders will discuss bilateral relations, regional matters, and global issues that are of mutual interest.

The Seychelles President will conduct official meetings in New Delhi and travel to Chennai and Mumbai to participate in business events that will foster economic and trade relations between nations.

How strong are the historical ties between India and Seychelles?

India and Seychelles share deep historical links that go back more than two centuries. In 1770, a small group of Indians arrived in Seychelles as plantation workers, along with African slaves and French settlers. They are recorded as the first inhabitants of the islands.

During the British colonial period, Seychelles was governed from the Bombay Presidency for some time. This led to strong trade links, regular shipping routes, and migration of Indian traders to the islands.

When did diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles begin?

Seychelles became an independent nation on June 29, 1976, and diplomatic ties with India were established soon after. An Indian Naval Ship, INS Nilgiri, took part in Seychelles’ Independence Day celebrations.

India established its mission in Seychelles in 1979 and appointed its first High Commissioner to the country in 1987. The opening of the Seychelles resident mission in New Delhi in 2008 established stronger official ties between the two countries.

The current relationship between India and Seychelles shows strong friendship and active partnerships and personal connections between their people, while India provides ongoing security assistance to Seychelles.

With inputs from ANI.