India–Seychelles Maritime & Blue Economy Cooperation Strengthens at Mumbai Business Roundtable

India and Seychelles explored new avenues to expand maritime trade, blue economy partnerships and sustainable development at the Indo-Seychelles Business Roundtable in Mumbai attended by Seychelles President Dr Patrick Herminie and Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal.

Sonowal said the two nations share historic maritime links that have grown into a strong partnership based on democratic values and mutual respect, covering development assistance, capacity building, healthcare, education, maritime security and disaster response. India’s engagement is guided by the MAHASAGAR vision, which promotes economic cooperation, sustainability and security in the Indian Ocean Region. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s neighbourhood-first policy has given fresh momentum to ties and emphasised that India’s expertise in port-led development, logistics, renewable energy and fintech can support Seychelles’ priorities. The minister identified fisheries, aquaculture, port infrastructure, ocean-based renewable energy, tourism, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, fintech and skills development as key areas for collaboration.

The roundtable saw participation from Indian firms in ports, infrastructure, fisheries, health, education, fintech and automobiles. Highlighting Mumbai’s strengths in ports, shipyards and financial services, Sonowal said the city is a natural platform to advance India–Seychelles maritime trade. He noted that in the last 11 years India’s port capacity has doubled, seafarer numbers have tripled and cruise passengers have grown fourfold, creating strong synergies with Seychelles. Indian exports to Seychelles include pharmaceuticals, food products, textiles, engineering goods, construction materials and automobiles, while Indian companies have supported infrastructure and energy projects there.

Improved connectivity through direct Mumbai–Mahé flights has boosted tourism and business travel. Sonowal said both nations stand at a moment of opportunity to elevate economic partnership, adding that closer cooperation can deliver lasting and mutually beneficial growth.