India-Seychelles Ties Get A Boost
The just-concluded state visit of Seychelles President Patrick Herminie to India marks a significant chapter in India-Seychelles relations. Both countries signed a host of agreements, many of them people-centric with focus on development, healthcare are security.
Barry Faure, Seychelles Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, calls the visit successful, with very positive outcomes. Never before, I would say, have we achieved that much in a state visit, he told StratNews Global in an interview.
An important outcome of the visit was the launch of a joint vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL). India has announced a special economic package of US $175 million. It includes lines of credit, grants worth US $50 million and donation of assets for civilian and maritime security purposes.
India has committed to helping Seychelles build a new hospital. “It’s going to change the lives of our people,” said Faure. He outlined social housing and e-mobility among Seychelles’ priority areas. The government wants to build over 1000 houses and is keen on upgrading public transport buses currently fuelled by diesel.
India’s MAHASAGAR Vision
Faure hailed PM Modi’s vision of MAHASAGAR as very good. It goes beyond security, looks at prosperity, economic growth, digital connectivity and cyber security, he said. With crimes in the Indian Ocean on the rise, he advocated the need for India and Seychelles to work together, each in their own ways. “We have been very fortunate to have a powerful neighbour such as India that respects international law and our sovereignty, to collaborate with us.”
Colombo Security Conclave
Seychelles that recently joined the Colombo Security Conclave says the set-up provides a structured architecture for it to grow as a regional partner. Besides, it ensures that the location of Seychelles is used for peace and security. Seychelles currently chairs the contact group on illegal maritime activities.
The structure provides us with concrete ways of how we can work together by enhancing interoperability through regular patrols, exercises and sharing of information, said Faure.
Assumption Island Issue
Faure sought to clear the air over the controversy surrounding the agreement with regard to Assumption Island, which was first signed in 2015. “Many people think what was proposed was a military base. Not at all. It was meant to be a joint structure that would help enhance Seychelles maritime surveillance capability,” he said.
He cited practical problems with Assumption Island. It’s a far flung area, about two hours of flying time from Mahé Island, where the capital city lies. But it is much closer to the Mozambique Channel, Madagascar. We simply don’t have the capacity for surveillance operations there, and India was willing to help, said Faure.
Although the agreement was renegotiated in 2018, it hasn’t taken off since due to local concerns. So, what next? The Seychelles govt wants to set up a Seychelles owned and operated coast guard facility there, says Faure.
“This is entirely our decision; there’s absolutely no pressure from India. We sought India’s support for the project and they have agreed to help.”
