India-Seychelles Relations: Diaspora And Strategic Cooperation

Source: Indian Express
GS II: Bilateral, Regional, and Global Groupings and Agreements, involving India and/or affecting India’s interests, Indian Diaspora

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Historical And Strategic Ties
3. Challenges in India-Seychelles Relations
4. Way Forward

Why in the News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a visit to Seychelles, highlighting the historical, cultural and strategic ties between India and Seychelles, particularly the role of the Indian Diaspora.

News in Brief

• Five Indians were among the first recorded inhabitants of Seychelles in 1770, alongside African slaves and French settlers.
• Persons of the Indian origin now constitute about 5% of Seychelles’ population, reflecting centuries of migration and settlement.
• Despite being separated by nearly 4,000 km, India and Seychelles maintain close cooperation through people-to-people connections and shared interests in the Indian Ocean Region.

Historical And Strategic Ties

Historical Migration and Trade Links

• The first recorded inhabitants of Seychelles in 1770 included five Indians, along with African slaves and French settlers.
• Large-scale Indian migration began during the 20th century, mainly from Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Gujarat.
• Indians settled as traders, labourers, and construction workers.
• During the colonial period, regular shipping links between India and Seychelles encouraged migration and trade.

Indian Diaspora in Seychelles

• Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) constitute nearly 5% of Seychelles’ population.
• A majority of the community belong to the  Gujarati and Tamil backgrounds.
• More than 9,000 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) hold Gainful Employment Permits and work in construction, trade, and professional services.

Diplomatic Relations

• Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1976, soon after Seychelles’ attained independence.
• India considers Seychelles an important pillar of its maritime policy under the MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).

Seychelles in India’s Indian Ocean Strategy

• Seychelles is a key partner in India’s engagement with the Global South.
• The country occupies a strategic position in the Western Indian Ocean.
• Cooperation supports efforts against piracy, maritime terrorism, and illegal fishing.
• Seychelles also contributes to regional maritime security and stability.

Cultural and People-to-People Ties

• The Indian diaspora plays a key role in strengthening cultural and social links between India and Seychelles.
• A statue of Mahatma Gandhi was installed in Victoria’s Peace Park in 2022.
• The Indian-origin community remains active in trade and construction sectors.
• Several persons of Indian origin have received recognition in Seychelles’ public institutions.

Development Partnership

• India is among Seychelles’ most trusted development partners.
• The areas of cooperation includes infrastructure, healthcare, education, public transport, and capacity building.
• A large number of Seychellois have received professional training in India.
• India has extended Lines of Credit, grants, and technical assistance to Seychelles.
• During the visit, India announced a Special Economic Package for Seychelles and promoted cooperation in medical tourism.

Challenges in India–Seychelles Relations

• Geopolitical Competition
  • Increasing strategic presence of countries such as China in the Indian Ocean creates geopolitical competition and influences regional dynamics.
• Limited Economic Engagement
  • Bilateral trade and investment remain relatively low, with significant untapped potential in sectors such as tourism, fisheries, renewable energy, and the blue economy.
• Maritime Security Threats
  • Piracy, illegal fishing, drug trafficking, and other transnational crimes continue to pose challenges in the Western Indian Ocean, requiring sustained cooperation.

Way Forward

• Strengthen Maritime Cooperation
  • Expand collaboration in maritime security, coastal surveillance, and the blue economy to ensure a safe and stable Indian Ocean Region.
• Enhance Development Partnership
  • Increase cooperation in infrastructure, healthcare, education, digital connectivity, and capacity-building initiatives.
• Deepen People-to-People Ties
  • Promote cultural exchanges, tourism, educational scholarships, and greater engagement with the Indian diaspora in Seychelles.
• Boost Economic and Strategic Engagement
  • Expand trade, investment, renewable energy, and climate resilience projects while reinforcing Seychelles’ role in India’s Vision MAHASAGAR and Global South outreach.

Conclusion

• India-Seychelles relations are rooted in centuries-old migration and trade links and have evolved into a strong partnership encompassing maritime security, development cooperation, cultural exchanges, and Global South engagement.
• The Indian diaspora continues to serve as a vital bridge connecting the two nations.

Key Takeaways

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements 

1. 1. Seychelles is located in the Western Indian Ocean.
   2. Seychelles is a member of the G20.
   3. Persons of Indian origin constitute about 5% of Seychelles’ population.

How many of the above statements are correct?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) Only three

d)  All four

Answer: b) Only two

Explanation: Statements 1and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect as Seychelles is not a member of the G20.

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