New Delhi, February 5: Seychelles President Patrick Herminie is arriving in India for a five-day official visit starting Thursday. This trip is at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, this marks President Herminie’s first official visit to India since he took office in October last year. The visit will continue until February 10.
During his time in India, President Herminie will meet with President Droupadi Murmu and engage in bilateral talks with PM Modi. These discussions will focus on enhancing India-Seychelles relations, as well as addressing regional and international issues.
This visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles. It is seen as a significant opportunity to strengthen the ties between the two nations.
President Herminie will also travel to Chennai and Mumbai, where he will participate in various business events. The Ministry of External Affairs expressed optimism that this visit will provide new momentum for comprehensive cooperation between India and Seychelles.
The Ministry stated, “Seychelles is an important maritime neighbor of India in the Indian Ocean region and holds a special place in India’s ‘Vision Ocean’ and commitment to the Global South.”
Additionally, this visit follows the trip of India’s Vice President to Seychelles in October 2025, which is expected to further enhance cooperation and people-to-people connections between the two countries.
It is noteworthy that Patrick Herminie took the oath of office as Seychelles’ sixth president during a national ceremony held at Unity Stadium in October 2025, attended by Indian Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan.
During the swearing-in ceremony, Vice President Radhakrishnan met with President Herminie at the State House in Victoria, discussing ways to advance bilateral cooperation. He also extended congratulations on behalf of the Indian government and its people. Both leaders reaffirmed their shared vision for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region and the Global South.
Vice President Radhakrishnan also met with Seychelles Vice President Sebastian Pillay to discuss various aspects of India-Seychelles relations. The Ministry emphasized that the relationship is based on shared heritage, culture, and strong people-to-people connections.
Diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles were established in 1976, following Seychelles’ independence. On June 29, 1976, a team from the Indian Navy’s INS Nilgiri participated in the independence celebrations. India established its mission in Victoria in 1979, while Seychelles opened its permanent mission in New Delhi in 2008.
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