PM Modi felicitated on Seychelles National Day; India expands bilateral ties with UPI, ₹1,250 crore credit line and more | Today’s news
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday attended the national day celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of Seychelles’ independence. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, he was the guest of honor at the event, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to receive the honour. India expanded bilateral ties with Unified Payments Interface (UPI), ₹1,250 crore line of credit and more.
Prime Minister Modi, who is on a three-day state visit to Seychelles from June 27 to June 29 at the invitation of President Herminie, mentioned that the celebrations paid tribute to the remarkable journey of the Seychellois people over the past five decades.
He added that India was proud to stand by Seychelles as a trusted friend and development partner, noting that the bilateral partnership continued to strengthen through shared values and closer people-to-people ties.
“It is an honor to participate in the Seychelles National Day celebrations on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of the nation’s independence. The occasion was a fitting tribute to the remarkable journey of the Seychellois people over the past fifty years,” PM Modi wrote on X.
He further said, “India is proud to stand by Seychelles as a trusted friend and partner in its development journey. Our partnership continues to grow stronger through shared values and closer people-to-people ties. I am sure that our friendship will grow further in times to come.”
MoU for UPI, credit agreement in value ₹1250 CZK and more
India and Seychelles have finalized an umbrella agreement on a line of credit to support development projects in the island nation, Foreign Minister Vikram Misri said on Sunday. As part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation, the two countries also signed an extradition treaty aimed at tackling transnational crime.
Addressing the press in Victoria on Prime Minister Modi’s ongoing visit, he told the media, “Both parties have entered into an umbrella credit agreement which will be extended in rupees and will be Rs 1,250 crore. It will be used to support priority development projects in Seychelles.”
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Misri further said that the National Payments Corporation of India and the Central Bank of Seychelles have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate the introduction of India’s UPI in Seychelles, according to ANI.
“The two sides also signed an extradition treaty aimed at combating transnational crime and a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in space exploration for peaceful purposes,” he added.
Misri said Seychelles has also sought India’s help in setting up artificial intelligence and cyber security centers as well as acquiring an advanced light helicopter. He added that Prime Minister Modi had responded positively, indicating that New Delhi would consider the requests.
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“During today’s discussions, President Herminie put forward a proposal seeking Indian assistance in providing an advanced light helicopter and setting up cyber security and artificial intelligence centers in Seychelles,” Misri said.
He added: “The Prime Minister welcomed these proposals and immediately signaled that India will look into these proposals and pursue them with a very positive mindset. So both sides will engage in further discussions on these new proposals received from the Seychelles side.”
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Misri revealed that Seychelles has also sought India’s help in setting up artificial intelligence and cyber security centers as well as procuring an advanced light helicopter. He added that Prime Minister Modi had responded positively, indicating that New Delhi would consider the requests.
Emphasizing the strategic importance of Seychelles, Misri described the island nation as a key partner in India’s MAHASAGAR vision and its broader commitment to the Global South.
Referring to Prime Minister Modi being awarded the Guardian of the Blue Horizon award, Misri said the award reflects the Prime Minister’s leadership in addressing climate change and championing the protection of the shared marine environment.
