Key Facts and Data Points
- Seychelles: sovereign archipelagic state comprising 155 islands.
- Capital: Victoria on Mahé Island.
- Geographical location: Western Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar, situated on the Mascarene Plateau.
- Strategic importance for India: lies on crucial maritime trade routes; vital for anti‑piracy operations, maritime security and the blue economy.
Background and Context
- A Business Roundtable held in Mumbai brought together officials from India and Seychelles to explore deeper maritime trade and blue‑economy cooperation.
- The engagement aligns with India’s MAHASAGAR/SAGAR vision, which seeks a peaceful and prosperous Indian Ocean region.
- Identified cooperation areas include:
- Blue economy
- Tourism
- Healthcare
- Pharmaceuticals
- Education & skills development
- Financial services
Significance for India / Governance / Policy
- Reinforces India’s Neighbourhood‑First and ocean‑based cooperation approach.
- Enhances India’s capacity for maritime domain awareness, anti‑piracy patrols, and sustainable exploitation of marine resources.
- Supports broader strategic objectives of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and contributes to India’s influence in the Indian Ocean.
Related Constitutional / Legal Provisions
- Foreign Policy is exercised by the Executive under Articles 73 and 74 of the Constitution; treaties with Seychelles fall under this purview.
- Maritime jurisdiction and rights are governed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to which India is a signatory.