Victoria, Nov 20 (NationPress) On Thursday, India delivered a significant shipment of medicines to Seychelles, underscoring New Delhi's dedication to assist Victoria in achieving its developmental goals.

The medicines were handed over by India's High Commissioner to Seychelles, Rohit Rathish, to the Minister of Health, Marvin Fanny. The occasion was also graced by the presence of Seychelles President Patrick Herminie.

In a statement shared on X, the Indian High Commission in Seychelles noted, "In the presence of H.E. Dr. Patrick Herminie, President of Seychelles, High Commissioner of India, Shri Rohit Rathish, presented a consignment of medicines to Minister of Health Dr. Marvin Fanny."

The shipment, weighing 3.5 tonnes, comprises medicines aimed at treating cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, as well as vitamins and nutritional supplements. This donation reinforces India’s commitment to assist Seychelles in its developmental endeavors," the statement added.

On November 6, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar congratulated Barry Faure on his recent appointment as Seychelles' Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora.

"I congratulate Barry Faure on his selection as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora for Seychelles. I look forward to collaborating with him to enhance the India-Seychelles partnership," posted EAM Jaishankar on X.

Earlier in October, Herminie took the oath as the sixth President of Seychelles during a national ceremony held at Unity Stadium. Vice President C P Radhakrishnan represented India at the swearing-in event.

During his visit, Vice President Radhakrishnan met with Herminie at the State House in Victoria, discussing avenues to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two nations. He also extended heartfelt congratulations to President Herminie on his new role on behalf of the Indian government and its citizens.

Both leaders reaffirmed their mutual vision for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region and the Global South, as stated by the Vice President's office.

Radhakrishnan also engaged with Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay at the State House to deliberate on various facets of bilateral relations.

"Both leaders explored the multi-dimensional India–Seychelles relationship, founded on shared heritage, culture, and interpersonal ties," stated the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The Vice President also wished Pillay a successful tenure.

Diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles were initiated following Seychelles' independence in 1976. When Seychelles gained independence on June 29, 1976, a contingent from the Indian Naval Ship, INS Nilgiri, participated in the Independence Day festivities, as reported by the MEA. India established its mission in Victoria in 1979, with the High Commissioner initially based in Dar-es-Salaam and concurrently accredited to Seychelles. The first resident High Commissioner was appointed in 1987, while Seychelles opened its resident mission in New Delhi in 2008.