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PM MODI’S STATE VISIT TO SEYCHELLES Why in the news? • The Prime Minister of India undertook a State Visit to Seychelles as the Guest of Honour for its 50th National Day (Golden Jubilee of Independence) celebrations. • The visit also marked 50 years of India–Seychelles diplomatic relations, during which both countries unveiled a commemorative logo celebrating five decades of partnership. KEY OUTCOMES OF THE PM’s VISIT Deployment of UPI • An MoU was signed between NPCI International Payments Limited and the Central Bank of Seychelles. • It will facilitate the rollout of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Seychelles. • The initiative will strengthen digital payments and promote financial inclusion. Umbrella Line of Credit • India extended an umbrella line of credit worth ₹1,250 crore. • The credit will support priority developmental projects in Seychelles. National Hospital Development • Both countries signed a framework MoU for developing a modern National Hospital in Seychelles. Maritime Mobility • An MoU was signed for mutual recognition of training and certification of Indian seafarers. • This will allow Indian seafarers to work on Seychelles-flagged vessels. Diplomatic Capacity Building • Institutional cooperation was established between: o Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service o Seychelles Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora. • The partnership will support training and diplomatic capacity building. Space Cooperation • Both countries signed an MoU on peaceful uses of outer space. • Areas of cooperation include: o Satellite applications. o Remote sensing. o Climate monitoring. o Disaster management. Agricultural Research Work Plan (2026–2031) • An MoU was signed between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the Seychelles Agriculture Department. • It focuses on: o Agricultural research. o Technical cooperation. o Food security initiatives. Defence and Maritime Cooperation • India handed over PS LESPWAR, a Made-in-India Fast Patrol Vessel built by Goa Shipyard Limited, to the Seychelles Coast Guard. • India also gifted: o Ambulances. o Utility vehicles. o Laser radial boats. • These measures will strengthen maritime surveillance and disaster response capabilities GUARDIAN OF THE BLUE HORIZON AWARD • The President of the Seychelles conferred the country's highest Presidential Distinction, "Guardian of the Blue Horizon", upon the Prime Minister of India. • The award recognizes contributions towards: o Climate action. o Blue Economy. o Sustainable ocean governance. o Development of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). VISION MAHASAGAR About : • MAHASAGAR stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. • It represents India's comprehensive approach to cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Significance • Promotes maritime security. • Strengthens development partnerships. • Encourages digital and health diplomacy. • Enhances regional connectivity and resilience. WHY IS SEYCHELLES STRATEGICALLY IMPORTANT FOR INDIA? • Seychelles is located near critical Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs). • It lies close to important maritime chokepoints such as: o Mozambique Channel o Bab-el-Mandeb o Cape of Good Hope. Maritime Security Cooperation • Seychelles is linked to India's: o Coastal Surveillance Radar Network (CSRN). o Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region. This improves Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA). Blue Economy Cooperation • Seychelles possesses an EEZ of approximately 1.3 million sq km. • It is an important partner for sustainable ocean resource management. Gateway to Africa • Seychelles is a member of: o African Union o Indian Ocean Commission • It serves as a bridge for India's engagement with East Africa. BILATERAL RELATIONS BETWEEN SEYCHELLES & INDIA Diplomatic Relations • India established diplomatic relations with Seychelles in 1976 following its independence. • INS Nilgiri participated in Seychelles' Independence Day celebrations in 1976. Defence Cooperation • India has installed six Coastal Surveillance Radar Systems in Seychelles. • Both countries conduct the joint military exercise Exercise LAMITYE. • Seychelles also participates in MILAN Naval Exercise. Human Resource Development • More than 1% of the Seychellois population are alumni of India's ITEC Programme. (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme). #currentaffairs #pmmodi #seychelles #indiaseychelles #visionmahasagar #indianocean #blueeconomy #upsc #upsc2026 #statepcs #internationalrelations #geopolitics #maritimesecurity #upi #digitalindia #defence #climateaction #indianoceanregion #foreignpolicy #ias #dailycurrentaffairs #exampreparation #gktoday