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Chennai, February 5:
Seychelles President Dr. Patrick Herminie arrived in Chennai on Thursday for his first State visit to India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited him for the visit.
The State visit will continue until February 10. It also marks his first trip to India since he assumed office in October 2025.
Visit Marks 50 Years of India-Seychelles Diplomatic Relations
The visit comes at a significant time. India and Seychelles are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations.
Moreover, the visit highlights the long-standing partnership between the two countries.
MEA Welcomes Seychelles President
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) welcomed President Herminie through a post on X.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India is commemorating 50 years of strong and multifaceted India-Seychelles ties. He also extended a warm welcome to President Herminie as he arrived in Chennai.
Meetings with President of India and PM Modi
During his State visit, President Herminie will meet the President of India. He will also hold discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The leaders will talk about bilateral cooperation. In addition, they will discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest.
President to Visit Chennai and Mumbai for Business Events
President Herminie will visit Chennai and Mumbai during his trip.
Furthermore, he will attend business events to strengthen trade and economic cooperation.
Seychelles Holds Key Place in India’s Vision MAHASAGAR
The MEA described Seychelles as an important maritime neighbour for India in the Indian Ocean region.
It also said Seychelles holds a special place in India’s Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions). The MEA also linked this partnership to India’s commitment to the Global South.
Background: Herminie Took Office in October 2025
President Herminie became the sixth President of Seychelles in October 2025. India’s Vice President CP Radhakrishnan represented India at the swearing-in ceremony in Victoria.
After that, Vice President Radhakrishnan met President Herminie at the State House. He conveyed greetings from the Government and people of India.
Both leaders discussed ways to strengthen cooperation. They also reaffirmed their shared vision for peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region.
India and Seychelles Share Historic Links
India and Seychelles share historical contacts and close people-to-people ties.
The MEA said India has continuously supported Seychelles, especially in security cooperation. Today, India-Seychelles relations reflect friendship and mutual understanding.
Historically, records show that in 1770, a group of Indians landed in Seychelles as plantation workers.
Later, during the British colonial period, Seychelles was governed from the Bombay Presidency for some time. As a result, regular shipping links and trade between India and Seychelles increased.
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