India has firmly established itself as the 'preferred partner' for Seychelles in maritime security and climate resilience, according to a report by the Australian Institute of International Affairs. The analysis highlights how New Delhi's island diplomacy is deepening strategic ties with climate-vulnerable nations across the Western Indian Ocean, balancing geopolitical interests with local legitimacy.

Diplomatic Milestone and MAHASAGAR Vision

The report notes that the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles coincided with the maiden state visit of Seychellean President Patrick Herminie to India — a development that underscores the intensifying maritime competition in the region. The visit also marked Seychelles' growing role in India's Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR) vision. Alongside, the two nations announced a joint vision titled Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL), backed by a Special Economic Package of USD 175 million to advance maritime security and sustainable development.

Maritime Security and Counter-Piracy Cooperation

Seychelles' vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) — significantly larger than its land territory — leaves it exposed to Somali pirate attacks, making enhanced maritime surveillance a national priority. According to the report, containing the piracy threat requires multilateral cooperation, and India has stepped in as a key regional stakeholder. The Indian Navy has maintained a continuous mission-based deployment in the Gulf of Aden, providing anti-piracy escorts along international transit corridors and securing Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs) as a net security provider.

India has also developed the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region initiative to enable real-time maritime information sharing among partner nations. Naval interoperability between the two countries is further institutionalised through the provision of patrol vessels, Dornier aircraft, and training of Republic of Seychelles naval personnel — building mutual trust without the need for formal alliances.

India vs China: Contrasting Approaches

The report draws a pointed contrast between India's and China's engagement models in Seychelles. While China offers rapid infrastructure development through centrally financed projects executed by state-owned enterprises, such arrangements reportedly limit local business participation and create strategic dependency on Beijing. India's approach, by contrast, focuses on strengthening local institutions and human resource capacity under the framework of South-South cooperation — offering Seychelles a pathway to long-term self-reliance.

Climate Resilience and the Blue Economy

Beyond security, India is accelerating support for Seychelles' blue economy — a critical pillar for island nations whose livelihoods depend on ocean resources. The shared priorities of development cooperation and climate resilience continue to shape New Delhi's island diplomacy with Victoria, according to the report. This comes amid growing global attention on small island developing states, which face disproportionate risks from rising sea levels and extreme weather events.

As the Indo-Pacific strategic landscape grows more contested, India's model of partnership-driven engagement — grounded in capacity-building rather than dependency — appears to be gaining traction among smaller island nations seeking reliable long-term allies.