Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Monday expressed India’s desire to strengthen cooperation across all areas of Seychelles’ development priorities, particularly in the fields of health, education, energy, transport and maritime security.
“The Vice President especially expressed his desire to strengthen relations in all of the areas of Seychelles’ priorities in so far as its development is concerned, particularly in the areas of health, education, energy, transport, and of course, maritime security,” Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said.
During his meeting with Seychelles newly-elected President Patrick Herminie at the State House in Victoria, Radhakrishnan underlined India’s intent and desire to further the long-standing ties of kinship and cooperation between India and Seychelles.
On the visit of the Vice President to Seychelles, Misri said, “The Vice President of India, C.P. Radhakrishnan, is on a visit to Seychelles on the occasion of the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected President, Patrick Herminie. The Vice President arrived in Seychelles yesterday afternoon. He began his programme by addressing a gathering of the Indian origin community here in Seychelles and subsequently attended the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected President.”
Misri further said Radhakrishnan also met Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam of Mauritius, who was in Seychelles for the same purpose.
“This morning, the Vice President called on the newly sworn-in President, Dr. Herminie, and conveyed to him greetings and good wishes from the people and government of India. He underlined to him India’s intent and desire to further the long-standing ties of kinship and cooperation between India and Seychelles,” Misri said.
Highlighting the focus of the visit, Misri said, “The Vice President especially expressed his desire to strengthen relations in all of the areas of Seychelles’ priorities insofar as its development is concerned, particularly in the areas of health, education, energy, transport, and of course, maritime security.”
The Vice President extended warm greetings to President Herminie on his assumption of office on behalf of the Government and people of India. He further handed over to President Herminie an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit India at a mutually convenient time.
“Next year, Seychelles will celebrate 50 years of independence. It also happens to be the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles. As these happy events gather next year, we are confident that the relationship between India and Seychelles will be taken to greater heights,” Misri said.
In a post on X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan @VPIndia called on President Dr. Patrick Herminie of the Republic of Seychelles, today at the State House.”
“VP wished him success for a fruitful and successful tenure. Both sides discussed ways to strengthen India-Seychelles bilateral partnership and reaffirmed shared vision for peace, stability & prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region and the Global South. Both sides discussed ways to strengthen India-Seychelles bilateral partnership and reaffirmed shared vision for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region and the Global South,” he further said.
Earlier in the day, Radhakrishnan also met Seychelles Vice President-elect Sebastien Pillay at the State House to discuss various aspects of bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
In a post on X, the MEA spokesperson said, “Both leaders discussed the multi-faceted India–Seychelles relationship, rooted in shared heritage, culture, and people-to-people ties.”
The Vice President also conveyed his best wishes to Pillay for a successful tenure.
Radhakrishnan embarked on a visit to Seychelles on Sunday to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Herminie, who assumed office as the President at Unity Stadium in Victoria.
In a post on X, Radhakrishnan wrote, “Delighted to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Patrick Herminie as President of the Republic of Seychelles at Unity Stadium, Victoria, Seychelles, conveying my greetings and best wishes on behalf of the Government and people of India.”
The Vice President had also addressed the members of the Indian community in Seychelles and highlighted the “long-standing and multi-faceted ties” shared by the two nations.
He lauded the role played by the Indian diaspora in further strengthening bilateral ties.
Addressing the Indian diaspora in Seychelles, Vice President Radhakrishnan stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of MAHASAGAR — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth across Regions — reflects India’s shared commitment to a free, open and secure Indian Ocean.
Radhakrishnan stressed that Seychelles remains a vital partner in advancing this vision and the priorities of the Global South.