India and Seychelles explored opportunities to deepen cooperation in maritime trade, blue economy sectors and sustainable development at an Indo-Seychelles Business Roundtable, held in Mumbai, which was attended by H.E. Dr Patrick Herminie, President of the Republic of Seychelles, and Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Mr Sarbananda Sonowal.
Mr 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. This partnership, he asserted, 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 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.
The Minister said 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.
Identifying priority areas for deeper cooperation, Mr Sonowal said: “Blue economy offers significant scope, including fisheries, aquaculture, port development, marine infrastructure, ocean-based renewable energy and marine research. Tourism and hospitality, renewable energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, financial services, fintech, education and skills development also present strong opportunities for collaboration.”
The India-Seychelles Business Roundtable saw participation from numerous business entities in India active in the infrastructure, ports, fisheries, health, education, fintech and automobile sectors.
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.
A moment of opportunity
Referring to India’s broader economic trajectory, Mr 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, enhancing transparency and ease of doing business, he said.
“In the last 11 years, India’s port capacity has doubled, the number of seafarers has tripled, and sea cruise passengers have increased fourfold,” Mr Sonowal highlighted, adding that India’s maritime growth creates natural synergies with partners such as Seychelles. He said India’s young and skilled workforce remains central to its growth story and offers long-term opportunities for global partners.
He emphasised that India and Seychelles stand at a moment of opportunity, with historic friendship, political trust, expanding connectivity and a shared maritime vision providing a strong foundation to elevate economic partnership.
“From Mumbai to Mahé, the distance is shorter and the possibilities greater,” Mr Sonowal said, urging businesses from both countries to work together to build enduring and mutually beneficial partnerships.
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 noted that improved connectivity, including direct flights between Mumbai and Mahé, has strengthened tourism, business travel and commercial engagement between the two countries, as per a release.
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