New Delhi, Feb 9 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Seychelles President Patrick Herminie engaged in discussions focused on bilateral cooperation during their meeting in New Delhi on Monday, covering vital areas such as development partnerships, capacity building, health, infrastructure, the blue economy, renewable energy, maritime security, and enhancing people-to-people ties.

The two leaders embraced the 'Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages' (SESEL).

In a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), it was noted, "In pursuit of a stronger India-Seychelles alliance, PM Modi and President Herminie held extensive discussions today in New Delhi, reviewing various aspects of their bilateral relationship. They explored cooperative efforts in development partnerships, capacity building, health, infrastructure, the blue economy, renewable energy, maritime security, and fostering people-to-people ties."

During their meeting, PM Modi and President Herminie ratified the Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL). India unveiled a Special Economic Package aimed at addressing the developmental requirements of Seychelles, particularly in public housing, mobility, infrastructure, capacity building, and maritime security. The nations also exchanged a series of MoUs in sectors including health, digital initiatives, meteorology, culture, ocean science, food security, and governance.

Present at the meeting were External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and other senior officials.

Earlier, Herminie, who is visiting India for state discussions, paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

EAM Jaishankar also met with him, commending his commitment to advancing the Vision MAHASAGAR, aimed at fostering economic prosperity and security in the region.

"I was pleased to meet with President Dr. Patrick Herminie of Seychelles today in Delhi. As maritime neighbors, I appreciate his assistance in moving forward with the Vision MAHASAGAR for regional economic prosperity and security. I am confident that his discussions with PM Modi today will unveil new opportunities for our collaboration," EAM Jaishankar shared on X after their meeting.

Herminie arrived in New Delhi on Sunday after productive engagements in Chennai and Mumbai. He received a ceremonial welcome at the airport.

The MEA noted, "President Dr. Patrick Herminie of Seychelles arrived in New Delhi following fruitful meetings in Chennai and Mumbai, where he connected with important stakeholders in governance, industry, coastal management, and health sectors."

He was welcomed warmly by Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel at the airport and received a ceremonial welcome. Seychelles stands as a crucial maritime ally of India and plays a significant role in India’s Vision MAHASAGAR and its commitment to the Global South.

Herminie's visit to India, which began on Thursday, marks his first state visit since taking office in October last year.