Prime Minister Narendra Modi, arrived at Seychelles on a brief visit on the first leg of his three-nation tour and held talks with Seychelles President James Alix Michel and said Seychelles "is a vital partner in our Indian Ocean neighbourhood". "Short it may be, but this visit has been very productive. It is no surprise that Seychelles is my first destination in the Indian Ocean Region," Modi, the first Prime Minister to visit Seychelles in 34 years, said. 

Cementing its strategic partnership with Seychelles, India signed four agreements with the Indian Ocean island nation to boost security and maritime partnership. "Our security partnership is strong. It has enabled us to fulfill our shared responsibility to advance maritime security in the region," Modi said, calling the country as a trusted friend and strategic partner. "It is a privilege to be a partner of Seychelles in the development of its security capabilities," he said. "Seychelles will also continue to make an enormous contribution to the safety and security of the Indian Ocean Region," he added.

"Our agreement today on hydrographic survey adds a new dimension to our maritime cooperation. I thank Seychelles for their confidence in India," Modi said. "We also hope that Seychelles will soon be a full partner in the maritime security cooperation between India, Maldives and Sri Lanka," he said. "We will also extend to you the facility of visa-on-arrival," he said.

By Premji