New Delhi, Feb 5 (NationPress) Seychelles President Patrick Herminie is set to embark on a State Visit to India starting Thursday, following an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This marks Herminie's inaugural journey to India since he took office in October of last year, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The visit will span five days and conclude on February 10.

During his stay, the President of Seychelles plans to engage with President Droupadi Murmu and discuss a range of bilateral, regional, and global topics with PM Modi that are of shared importance.

This visit coincides with the 50-year celebration of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles.

Following his time in New Delhi, Herminie will head to Chennai and Mumbai, where he is expected to participate in various business events.

The MEA emphasized that this visit is anticipated to enhance the extensive cooperation between the two nations.

The MEA's statement noted, "Seychelles is a vital maritime partner for India in the Indian Ocean and is integral to India's Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and our commitment to the Global South."

Furthermore, the visit of President Herminie follows the trip of India's Vice President to Seychelles in October 2025, which is expected to strengthen bilateral relations and people-to-people connections.

Herminie became the sixth President of Seychelles in October 2025, during a national ceremony at Unity Stadium, where India's Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan represented India.

During the previous visit, Vice President Radhakrishnan met with Herminie at the State House in Victoria, discussing ways to bolster bilateral cooperation.

He also extended congratulations to President Herminie on his new role on behalf of the Indian government and people. Both leaders reaffirmed their shared aspirations for peace, stability, and prosperity within the Indian Ocean Region and the Global South, according to the Vice President's office.

Radhakrishnan also engaged with Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay at the State House to explore various aspects of bilateral relations.

As reported by the MEA, both leaders discussed the diverse dimensions of the India–Seychelles relationship, which is founded on shared heritage, culture, and interpersonal ties.

India and Seychelles established diplomatic relations after Seychelles gained independence in 1976. An Indian Naval Ship, INS Nilgiri, participated in the celebrations on June 29, 1976, marking this significant milestone, according to the MEA.

The Indian diplomatic mission was inaugurated in 1979 in Victoria, initially with the High Commissioner based in Dar-es-Salaam and concurrently accredited to Seychelles. The first resident High Commissioner was appointed in 1987, and Seychelles established its own mission in New Delhi in 2008.