Seychelles Prez Herminie arrives in India to mark 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties

Seychelles President Patrick Herminie arrived in Chennai on Thursday, February 5, to begin his first official State visit to India, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. He was warmly welcomed at the airport by State Adi Dravidar Welfare Minister Dr. M. Mathiventhan, Chennai Mayor R. Priya, India’s High Commissioner to Seychelles Rohit Rathish, and Seychelles’ High Commissioner to India Lalatiana Accouche, reflecting the strong and enduring partnership between the two countries.

The visit, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi , aims to deepen bilateral cooperation in areas including maritime security, trade, health, education, climate action, and sustainable development, while also fostering stronger people-to-people ties and discussing regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Immediately after his arrival, President Herminie and the First Lady visited SIMS Hospital and Balaji Dental Hospital , highlighting the importance of healthcare collaboration and community engagement.

On February 6 , he is scheduled to meet Tamil Nadu Governor R. N. Ravi , strengthening engagement with Indian states. The following day, February 7 , he will travel to Mumbai to meet Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and participate in business and cultural events designed to boost economic and cultural exchanges between India and Seychelles.

Later in the visit, in New Delhi , Herminie will meet President Droupadi Murmu and hold discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on bilateral, regional, and international cooperation. These high-level meetings are expected to cover defence, maritime security, trade, tourism, and sustainable development, further consolidating the strategic partnership between the two nations.

As a key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean , Seychelles plays a crucial role in India’s Vision MAHASAGAR initiative and engagement with the Global South. This visit aims to strengthen not only diplomatic and strategic ties but also trade, investment, and cultural collaboration, reflecting the comprehensive and long-standing partnership between the two countries.

President Herminie, who took office in October 2025, has consistently engaged with global leaders on issues such as health, environmental sustainability, and inclusive development, and his first visit to India underscores Seychelles’ commitment to international cooperation and shared growth.