Seychelles President Patrick Herminie Begins Five-Day State Visit To India

Seychelles President Patrick Herminie arrived in India early Thursday on a five-day State Visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking his first visit to the country since assuming office in October last year.

The Ministry of External Affairs noted that the visit comes at a significant moment, as India and Seychelles commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations.

The MEA said the visit will likely provide fresh momentum to the wide-ranging and multifaceted partnership between the two nations.

During his stay in the national capital, President Herminie will meet President Droupadi Murmu and hold discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The talks will cover bilateral cooperation as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest. His visit to India will continue until February 10.

The MEA highlighted Seychelles as a key maritime neighbour for India in the Indian Ocean region, noting its importance in India’s Vision MAHASAGAR and its broader commitment to the Global South.

Following his engagements in Delhi, President Herminie will travel to Chennai and Mumbai, where he is likely to participate in business-related events aimed at strengthening economic cooperation.

The visit follows the Vice President of India’s trip to Seychelles in October 2025.

Vice President CP Radhakrishnan had attended Herminie’s swearing-in ceremony as the sixth President of Seychelles at Unity Stadium and later met him at the State House in Victoria to discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation.

He also met Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay to review various aspects of the relationship.

India and Seychelles established diplomatic ties in 1976 after the island nation’s independence.

The Indian Mission was set up in Victoria in 1979, with a resident High Commissioner appointed in 1987, while Seychelles opened its resident mission in New Delhi in 2008.