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CWA # 1299, 6 May 2024
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Seychelles-India Relations: Five Areas of Partnership

  Devi Chandana M

By Devi Chandana M

India and Seychelles have forged a multifaceted partnership encompassing economic collaboration, security cooperation, and technical assistance. India's strategic approach counters regional challenges, fostering mutual prosperity and enhancing stability in the Indian Ocean region.

India and Seychelles: Recent Developments
In February 2024, Flavien P. Joubert, the Minister of Energy, Climate Change, and Agriculture for Seychelles, announced plans to collaborate with India to provide biofuels. Despite Seychelles joining the India-led Global Biofuel Alliance, it is yet to include biofuels in its energy mix. The proposed project aims to evaluate the economic viability of importing biofuels or domestically producing them from waste products, focusing on compressed biogas technology. Recognizing the potential for oil installations to contribute to its economy, Seychelles is also seeking international investment in oil and gas exploration. With Seychelles' Exclusive Economic Zone providing opportunities for exploration, the bilateral partnership aims at regional economic development and energy diversification.

Another significant development was the departure of the Indian Army detachment for the Joint Military Exercise "LAMITIYE-2024" in Seychelles. It focused on improving coordination and interoperability in sub-conventional operations in semi-urban settings, demonstrating both countries' commitment to strengthening bilateral military ties and addressing modern security issues.

In April 2024, a major step towards strengthening Seychelles’ meteorological skills and disaster preparedness was taken through India's support for the installation of sophisticated weather warning systems in Seychelles. The Seychelles Meteorological Authority (SMA) will gain impact-based forecasting and customized modelling through the transfer of technology and knowledge, resolving significant flaws in the present forecasting techniques. The cooperation also includes marine forecasting, an area in which Seychelles has previously encountered difficulties. The Seychelles Meteorological Authority hopes to deliver more effective services with India’s help, leading to improved forecasts, well-informed choices, and increased resilience to extreme weather occurrences in the area.

India and Seychelles: Five Areas of Cooperation
1. Strategic Partnership for Maritime Security
India and Seychelles have forged a strategic partnership to ensure stable and secure maritime environments in the Indian Ocean. India views Seychelles as vital for its maritime security and countering emerging threats like piracy and illegal fishing. To bolster Seychelles' maritime security capabilities, India has provided coastal surveillance radars and patrol boats. Additionally, Seychelles has offered India access to Assumption Island, which provides a strategic location from which the Indian Ocean region can be monitored. This collaboration aims to enhance maritime security and protect shared interests in the region.

2. Economic Cooperation and Potential for Growth
Although the economic ties between India and Seychelles are currently modest, there is a growing potential for further collaboration. India serves as a major source of imports for Seychelles, supplying essential commodities such as rice and medicine. There are opportunities for economic cooperation in areas like tourism, healthcare, and blue economy initiatives. The shared maritime status presents avenues for collaboration in sustainable fishing practices and marine research. By fostering economic cooperation, both nations can harness their strengths and drive mutual growth.

3. Cultural Bonds and People-to-People Connections
The Indian diaspora in Seychelles plays a vital role in fostering cultural bonds and acting as a bridge between the two nations. The vibrant Indian community has significantly contributed to Seychelles' social and cultural fabric. Regular cultural exchanges and events further strengthen these people-to-people connections. The cultural ties between India and Seychelles serve as a foundation for deeper understanding and collaboration in various fields.

4. Collaborative Efforts in Security and Resilience
India and Seychelles collaborate to address evolving security challenges, including natural catastrophes and cybercrime intrusions. Their joint efforts focus on enhancing regional resilience and response capacities in catastrophe risk reduction and cybersecurity capacity building. This proactive stance reflects their shared commitment to upholding security and stability in the face of changing circumstances. Furthermore, the emerging collaboration in space technology highlights the potential for utilizing India's expanding space program to address maritime issues effectively. Exploring satellite-based data sharing and space technology capacity building can improve operational capacities and maritime domain awareness.

5. India as an Alternative to China's Influence
India's approach towards Seychelles demonstrates its strategic understanding of the dynamics in the Indian Ocean region. India aims to provide a genuine alternative to China's influence through cooperative efforts across various industries. It is attempting to strengthen its position as a dependable and essential partner by prioritizing security cooperation, economic collaboration, development assistance, people-to-people ties, and technical cooperation. This holistic strategy boosts bilateral relations and contributes to peace and security in the larger Indian Ocean region. India's commitment to supporting Seychelles' sovereignty and resilience aligns with Seychelles' goals of diversifying partnerships and securing its strategic interests.

About the Author
Devi Chandana M is a research intern at the Institute for Contemporary Chinese Studies and a student associate at the Centre for Urban Studies at the School of International Relations and Politics, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam.
 

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