Victoria, June 28 (AHN) Seychelles President Patrick Herminie said on Sunday that security in the Indian Ocean remains central to the relationship between his country and India and announced that both nations have affirmed their commitment to counter piracy, drug trafficking, illegal fishing, and cross-border crime.

Addressing a joint press meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi following their talks, President Herminie described his discussions with PM Modi as "comprehensive and forward-looking", reflecting the deep bonds of friendship and mutual trust that unite both nations.

He stated that India and Seychelles have recommitted to a partnership rooted in common geography, history and a collective vision for a stable, secure and prosperous Indian Ocean region.

"A centrepiece of our talks was the implementation of the Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages, which Seychelles adopted earlier this year. This framework provides strategic direction for cooperation across all sectors. I express my deep appreciation for India's steadfast support in translating this vision into tangible outcomes that benefit the people of both nations."

Herminie called the development partnership a "strong pillar" of India-Seychelles ties. He said that both nations have concluded various legal instruments that will deepen our collaboration across foreign service, digital banking, health, agriculture, sea flooring, extradition, space exploration, and the construction of a new national hospital in Seychelles.

"As maritime neighbours, security in the Indian Ocean region remains central to our relationship. We reaffirmed Seychelles special place in India's Mahasagar vision. We affirmed our commitment to counter piracy, drug trafficking, illegal fishing and cross-border crime. I acknowledged India's support in maritime surveillance, hydrography and defence capacity building, including the refit of PS Zoroaster and the gifting of fast attack vessels PS Lespwar to the Seychelles Coast Guard. Development Partnership has been a strong pillar of India's Seychelles relations, guided by Seychelles priorities."

"I was especially pleased to pursue discussions on the announcement of the Special Economic Package of $175 million from the Government of India, comprising $125 million in a rupee-denominated line of credit and $50 million in grant assistance. This package will support critical projects in social housing, immobility, vocational training, health, defence and maritime security," he added.

The Seychelles President stated that his talks with PM Modi have set a strong foundation for the next chapter of bilateral cooperation. "We reviewed our progress across key areas and agreed to accelerate action on our commitments. This high-level exchange reflects the deep significance we place on our relationship and will go down as a landmark in our bilateral journey."

"A particularly significant milestone is the groundbreaking inauguration of the Professional and Technical Education Centre. This India-assisted project will equip the youth with world-class vocational training, strengthening our capacity building. My deepest gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for this transformative initiative. In our shared commitment to clean energy, we also inaugurated three solar water pumping systems under the International Solar Alliance, exemplifying India's support for Seychelles transition to renewable energy."

President Herminie said that PM Modi was honoured with the title 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' for his exceptional leadership in sustainability, the blue economy, and ocean governance.

"A particular highlight was my honour in bestowing upon Prime Minister Modi, the honorary title, 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon', a tribute to his exceptional leadership in sustainability, the blue economy, and ocean governance. This distinction represents the highest honour that the Republic of Seychelles confers upon international dignitaries. It stands as a symbol of our nation's deepest respect and recognition for those whose leadership and partnership embody the spirit of the guardian of our blue horizon and who have made exceptional contributions to advancing the shared values and aspirations that unite us."