India and Seychelles strengthen maritime, blue-economy and business ties, opening fresh pathways for sustainable growth
When two maritime nations meet in a port city shaped by centuries of ocean trade, the conversation naturally turns to the sea. That was the spirit in Mumbai this February, where India and Seychelles came together to explore a deeper economic and strategic partnership across the Indian Ocean.
At the Indo-Seychelles Business Roundtable, leaders from both countries signalled a shared intent to move beyond traditional diplomacy and unlock new opportunities in maritime trade, the blue economy, infrastructure, and sustainable development. The meeting brought together policymakers, business leaders and industry experts, reflecting a growing recognition that ocean-based cooperation is central to future growth.
A Bond Forged by History and Geography
India and Seychelles share more than diplomatic ties—they are connected by history, migration and the Indian Ocean itself. Long before formal relations were established, maritime exchanges linked Indian traders and Seychellois communities, laying the groundwork for enduring people-to-people connections.
Over time, this natural relationship has matured into a trusted partnership based on democratic values, mutual respect and shared regional interests. Today, cooperation extends across education, healthcare, capacity building, maritime security and disaster response, creating a multifaceted framework for collaboration.
MAHASAGAR and the Maritime Vision
India’s engagement with Seychelles is shaped by the MAHASAGAR vision—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. The approach recognises the Indian Ocean not merely as a trade route, but as a strategic and economic lifeline that must be nurtured responsibly.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal emphasised that India’s maritime experience—ranging from port development and logistics to renewable energy and shipping services—can complement Seychelles’ development priorities as an island nation with a vast ocean territory.
Both countries, he noted, share a common vision of the Indian Ocean as a zone of peace, stability and shared prosperity.
The Promise of the Blue Economy
At the heart of discussions was the blue economy, a sector increasingly seen as a driver of sustainable growth. For Seychelles, whose economy is deeply tied to the ocean, and for India, with its expanding maritime infrastructure, the possibilities are significant.
Key areas of potential cooperation include:
- Fisheries and aquaculture
- Port and marine infrastructure
- Ocean-based renewable energy
- Marine research and environmental protection
- Sustainable tourism and hospitality
By combining India’s scale and technical expertise with Seychelles’ strategic location and ocean resources, both nations can develop models of growth that are economically viable and environmentally responsible.
Why Mumbai Was the Perfect Host
Mumbai’s role in the dialogue was more than symbolic. As India’s financial capital and a historic port city, it represents the country’s maritime and commercial strengths. Its ports, logistics networks, shipyards and fintech ecosystem position it as a natural hub for advancing ocean-based partnerships.
From financial services and innovation to shipping and trade facilitation, Mumbai offers Seychelles access to an ecosystem that can support long-term economic transformation. Improved connectivity, including direct air links between Mumbai and Mahé, has already strengthened tourism, business travel and commercial engagement.
Economic Impact Beyond Borders
The growing partnership is expected to deliver concrete economic benefits. Indian exports to Seychelles span pharmaceuticals, food products, textiles, engineering goods, automobiles and construction materials. Indian companies are also contributing to infrastructure, energy and service sectors in Seychelles.
For India, the collaboration opens opportunities for its maritime, healthcare, education and fintech sectors, while for Seychelles, it brings investment, technology and skills that support diversification and resilience.
India’s broader economic trajectory adds momentum to this cooperation. Over the past decade, the country has expanded port capacity, strengthened logistics networks and created a skilled maritime workforce—developments that naturally align with Seychelles’ ocean-driven economy.
A Shared Future Across the Ocean
As global attention increasingly turns to the Indian Ocean region, partnerships like the one between India and Seychelles are gaining strategic and economic importance. The combination of historic trust, expanding connectivity and a shared maritime outlook offers a strong foundation for future collaboration.
From sustainable ports and clean energy to tourism and trade, the relationship is evolving into a partnership of opportunity—one that benefits not only the two nations involved, but the wider region they share.
In the words echoed at the Mumbai roundtable, the distance between Mumbai and Mahé may be measured in nautical miles, but the possibilities created by cooperation are closer than ever.