Herminie win raises hope of boost to India-Seychelles ties: Tourism, investments & defence partnership key focus

The victory of Patrick Herminie in last week's presidential elections in the Indian Ocean Region state of Seychelles has raised hopes of re-energising the India-Seychelles partnership that tapered during the last five years.

Tourism, Indian investments and boosting defence partnership would be key focus of the bilateral partnership, as New Delhi was quick to send a congratulatory message to the newly elected President. Extending his "heartiest congratulations to Dr Patrick Herminie", Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a message posted on X Sunday, wrote: "The waters of the Indian Ocean are our shared heritage and nourish the aspirations and needs of our people. I am confident that our time-tested and multifaceted relations will deepen and gain further momentum in his tenure as President. My best wishes to him for the tenure ahead."

India could be keen to revive its proposal to set up its presence in the Assumption Islands to assist the Seychelles with its coast guard facility, it has been learnt. Housing is one of the sectors where India will likely be keen to support the archipelago nation, people familiar with the issue said. That country's growing urban population, expanding middle class, and increasing demand from expatriates and diaspora investors are driving the need for quality housing and real estate development.


The Seychelles government's initiatives to modernise housing infrastructure and encourage private sector participation open avenues for investment in affordable housing projects, green building technologies, and mixed-use developments, according to informed sources. Moreover, the scenic landscape and stable legal environment attract foreign investors to upscale residential and commercial real estate ventures.

With the population largely spread across three main islands poses a unique set of challenges for the Seychelles' population and administration. For India, the Seychelles serves as a crucial partner in ensuring a secure, stable, and open IOR. Its vast exclusive economic zone (EEZ) provides a valuable area for cooperation in fisheries management, marine research and surveillance.