Seychelles High Commissioner to India, Lalatiana Accouche, on Saturday, 4 July said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi actively encouraged Seychelles to expand bilateral trade and attract Indian investors during his recent State Visit to the island nation. The envoy described the visit as a milestone in the two countries' decades-long relationship.

High Commissioner's Assessment

Speaking in New Delhi, Accouche called Modi's presence at Seychelles' 50th Independence anniversary celebrations “a big honour,” adding that the visit went beyond conventional diplomacy. “It has been not only a visit but a way to strengthen further the relations between Seychelles and India, which are based on historical links… it's not only the diplomatic relations, but the people-to-people connectivity,” she said.

She termed the visit “very successful” and indicated that Seychelles is now focused on translating the goodwill into concrete follow-up action.

Modi's Trade Push: The Strategic Pitch

Accouche highlighted that Prime Minister Modi urged Seychelles to look beyond its small geographic size and leverage its strategic location as a bridge between Africa, the Middle East, and other major markets. “Don't look at Seychelles as a small nation, but look at the location where we can play a big role in connecting many countries, many continents,” she quoted the Prime Minister as saying.

She acknowledged that Seychelles produces little domestically and imports the bulk of its requirements — a structural reality that makes trade facilitation and investor access particularly significant for the archipelago's economy.

What PM Modi Said on X

After his visit, Prime Minister Modi shared his assessment on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “My visit to Seychelles has been filled with substantive outcomes that will boost the India-Seychelles friendship. I can confidently say that while the past fifty years of our relationship have been marked by deep trust and shared progress, the next fifty years will be defined by innovation, sustainability and shared prosperity.”

Modi also expressed gratitude to President Herminie and the people of Seychelles for their hospitality during the National Day celebrations.

Broader Significance for India-Seychelles Ties

The visit comes as India deepens its engagement across the Indian Ocean Region, where Seychelles occupies a strategically vital position. This is not the first time the two nations have signalled intent to elevate economic ties — but the backdrop of Seychelles' golden jubilee and the explicit push for Indian business investment gives this round of engagement added momentum.

Accouche confirmed that the relationship will be “solidified” further across both the business sector and people-to-people connections in the months ahead. The next steps, she indicated, will focus on structured follow-up to the commitments made during the State Visit.