New Delhi, Feb 5 (NationPress) President Patrick Herminie of Seychelles has arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for a five-day State Visit to India, following an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Upon his arrival, he was warmly welcomed as the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) tweeted, "Celebrating 50 years of enduring and diversified India-Seychelles bilateral relations. A warm reception for President Dr. Patrick Herminie as he lands in Chennai for his inaugural State visit to India."

This marks Herminie's first official visit to India since taking office in October of last year, and he will remain until February 10.

During this visit, the Seychelles President is set to engage with President Droupadi Murmu and discuss various bilateral, regional, and global topics of shared interest with PM Modi.

The visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Seychelles and India.

Following his time in New Delhi, Herminie will proceed to Chennai and Mumbai, where he will participate in several business events.

The MEA highlighted that this visit aims to enhance the extensive collaboration between the two nations.

"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," the MEA stated ahead of the visit.

President Herminie's trip follows the visit of India's Vice President to Seychelles in October 2025, and it is anticipated to further strengthen the cooperation and robust people-to-people connections between both nations.

Herminie was inaugurated as the sixth President of Seychelles during a national ceremony at Unity Stadium in October 2025, attended by Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan as India's representative.

During his prior visit, Vice President Radhakrishnan met Herminie at the State House in Victoria, focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

He also conveyed warm greetings to President Herminie on behalf of the Government and people of India, with both leaders reaffirming their mutual vision for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region and the Global South, according to the Vice President's office.

Radhakrishnan also met with Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay at the State House to deliberate on various aspects of bilateral cooperation.

"Both leaders discussed the multi-dimensional India-Seychelles relationship, founded on shared heritage, culture, and people-to-people connections," the MEA reported.

Diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles were initiated after Seychelles gained independence in 1976. An Indian naval contingent participated in their independence celebrations, with the Indian Mission set up in 1979 in Victoria, and the first resident High Commissioner appointed in 1987. Seychelles established its resident mission in New Delhi in 2008.