Victoria/New Delhi, Feb 2 (NationPress) Seychelles President Patrick Herminie is set to embark on a State Visit to India from February 5-10 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This marks Herminie's inaugural trip to India since he took office in October of the previous year, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday.

During his stay, Herminie will engage with President Droupadi Murmu and hold discussions with PM Modi regarding bilateral, regional, and international matters of shared concern. Notably, this visit aligns with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Herminie will also visit Chennai and Mumbai, where he is slated to participate in business events. The MEA highlighted that this visit is anticipated to enhance the extensive cooperation between the two nations.

Seychelles is a vital maritime partner for India in the Indian Ocean region and holds a significant position in India's Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and its commitment to the Global South,” stated an MEA announcement prior to the visit.

“President Herminie's trip to India, following the visit of the Indian Vice President to Seychelles in October 2025, is poised to further strengthen the extensive cooperation and robust people-to-people connections between our two countries,” it further noted.

Herminie was inaugurated as the sixth President of Seychelles during a ceremony at Unity Stadium in October 2025. Vice President C P Radhakrishnan represented India at the swearing-in ceremony.

During the visit, Vice President Radhakrishnan met Herminie at the State House in Victoria to explore avenues for bolstering bilateral cooperation. He conveyed warm wishes to President Herminie on his new role on behalf of the Government and citizens of India. Both leaders reiterated their mutual aspiration for peace, stability, and prosperity within the Indian Ocean Region and the Global South, according to the Vice President's office.

Radhakrishnan also met Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay at the State House to deliberate on various facets of bilateral collaboration. “Both leaders underscored the multi-dimensional India–Seychelles relationship, underpinned by shared heritage, culture, and interpersonal ties,” the MEA stated.

India and Seychelles established diplomatic relations 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 celebrations. The Indian Mission was founded in 1979 in Victoria, 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 resident mission in New Delhi in 2008.