India and Seychelles on February 7, 2026, explored avenues to deepen cooperation in maritime trade, blue economy sectors and sustainable development at the Indo–Seychelles Business Roundtable held in Mumbai. The event was attended by H.E. Dr. Patrick Herminie, President of the Republic of Seychelles, and Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, along with senior officials and business leaders from both countries.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Sonowal said the India–Seychelles maritime partnership is deepening under the MAHASAGAR vision, signalling growing strategic convergence in the Indian Ocean Region.
A Partnership Rooted in History and Shared Values
Shri Sonowal noted that India and Seychelles share a relationship rooted in history and strengthened by enduring people-to-people ties, with maritime exchanges predating modern diplomacy. He said the partnership has evolved into a close and friendly relationship based on shared democratic values, pluralism and mutual respect, with cooperation spanning development assistance, capacity building, education, healthcare, maritime security and disaster response.
India’s engagement with Seychelles, he said, is guided by the MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), which emphasises economic cooperation, sustainability and security in the Indian Ocean Region.
Strategic Convergence in the Indian Ocean
“This partnership has received renewed momentum under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. His emphasis on neighbourhood-first engagement, ocean-based cooperation and inclusive growth has provided clear strategic direction to India’s engagement with island nations of the Indian Ocean, including Seychelles,” Shri Sonowal said.
He added that India and Seychelles share a common vision of the Indian Ocean as a region of peace, stability and shared prosperity.
Blue Economy and New Growth Opportunities
Highlighting priority areas for collaboration, Shri Sonowal said the blue economy offers significant scope, including:
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Fisheries and aquaculture
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Port development and marine infrastructure
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Ocean-based renewable energy
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Marine research
He also identified tourism and hospitality, renewable energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, financial services, fintech, education and skills development as sectors with strong potential for deeper cooperation.
He noted that India’s experience in port-led development, logistics, maritime services and renewable energy can complement Seychelles’ development priorities, while Mumbai’s financial and fintech ecosystem can support innovation and financial inclusion initiatives.
Mumbai as a Natural Hub for Maritime Cooperation
The Union Minister underlined that Mumbai’s strengths as a port city—its ports, logistics networks, maritime services, shipyards and financial ecosystem—make it a natural platform to advance India–Seychelles cooperation in maritime trade and ocean-based industries.
“Mumbai has, for centuries, symbolised India’s engagement with the world. Shaped by the sea, trade and enterprise, it is a fitting venue to discuss economic and business cooperation between India and Seychelles—two maritime nations connected by the Indian Ocean and united by a shared vision of prosperity and sustainable development,” Shri Sonowal said.
India’s Maritime Growth and Global Synergies
Referring to India’s broader economic trajectory, Shri Sonowal said the country is at a pivotal moment, supported by sustained domestic demand, a reform-oriented policy environment and large-scale infrastructure investment. Over the past decade, India has undertaken wide-ranging reforms in taxation, corporate regulation and digital governance, improving transparency and ease of doing business.
“In the last 11 years, India’s port capacity has doubled, the number of seafarers has tripled, and sea cruise passengers have increased fourfold,” he said, adding that India’s maritime growth creates natural synergies with partners such as Seychelles. He also highlighted that India’s young and skilled workforce remains central to its growth story and offers long-term opportunities for global partners.
Trade, Connectivity and Business Engagement
Shri Sonowal noted that Indian exports to Seychelles include pharmaceuticals, food products, textiles, engineering goods, construction materials, automobiles and consumer products, while Indian companies have contributed to infrastructure development, energy projects, construction and services in Seychelles.
He added that improved connectivity, including direct flights between Mumbai and Mahé, has strengthened tourism, business travel and commercial engagement between the two countries.
“From Mumbai to Mahé, the distance is shorter and the possibilities greater,” Shri Sonowal said, urging businesses from both sides to work together to build enduring and mutually beneficial partnerships.
Broad-Based Participation
The India–Seychelles Business Roundtable was organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and saw participation from business entities in infrastructure, ports, fisheries, health, education, fintech and automobile sectors.
The event was attended by senior officials and industry leaders, including Vijay Kumar, IAS, Secretary, MoPSW; Shyam Jagannathan, Director General of Shipping; Captain B. K. Tyagi, CMD, Shipping Corporation of India; M. Angamuthu, Chairperson, Mumbai Port Authority; Gaurav Dayal, Chairperson, JNPA; Rohit Rathish, High Commissioner of India to Seychelles; and S. Kuppuswamy, Special Advisor, Shapoorji Pallonji, among others.
Conclusion
The Mumbai roundtable underscored the growing strategic and economic convergence between India and Seychelles in the Indian Ocean Region. With the MAHASAGAR vision guiding cooperation, and strong foundations of trust, connectivity and shared maritime interests, both countries are well placed to elevate their partnership in maritime trade, blue economy and sustainable development in the years ahead.
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Source: PIB
