India and Seychelles explored avenues to strengthen cooperation in maritime trade, blue economy sectors and sustainable development at an Indo-Seychelles Business Roundtable held in Mumbai. The meeting was attended by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and H.E. Patrick Herminie, President of the Republic of Seychelles.
Addressing the gathering, Sonowal said India and Seychelles share a relationship rooted in history and strengthened by enduring people-to-people ties, with maritime exchanges predating modern diplomacy. He noted that the partnership has matured into a close and friendly relationship based on shared democratic values, pluralism and mutual respect, encompassing cooperation in development assistance, capacity building, education, healthcare, maritime security and disaster response.
India’s engagement with Seychelles, he said, is guided by the MAHASAGAR vision—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions—which underscores economic cooperation, sustainability and security in the Indian Ocean Region.
“This partnership has received renewed momentum under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji. His emphasis on neighbourhood-first engagement, ocean-based cooperation, and inclusive growth has provided clear strategic direction to India’s engagement with island nations of the Indian Ocean, including Seychelles. India and Seychelles share a common vision of the Indian Ocean as a region of peace, stability and shared prosperity,” Sonowal said.
Highlighting India’s capabilities, the Union Minister said the country’s experience in port-led development, logistics, maritime services and renewable energy can complement Seychelles’ development priorities. He added that Mumbai’s financial and fintech ecosystem offers scope to support innovation and financial inclusion initiatives in the island nation.
Identifying key areas for deeper engagement, Sonowal said, “Blue economy offers significant scope, including fisheries, aquaculture, port development, marine infrastructure, ocean-based renewable energy and marine research. Tourism and hospitality, renewable energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, financial services, fintech, education and skills development also present strong opportunities for collaboration.”
The business roundtable saw participation from a wide cross-section of Indian companies active in infrastructure, ports, fisheries, healthcare, education, fintech and the automobile sector. Sonowal underlined that Mumbai’s strengths as a port city—its ports, logistics networks, maritime services, shipyards and financial ecosystem—make it a natural platform to advance India–Seychelles cooperation in maritime trade and ocean-based industries.
“Mumbai has, for centuries, symbolised India’s engagement with the world. Shaped by the sea, trade and enterprise, it is a fitting venue to discuss economic and business cooperation between India and Seychelles—two maritime nations connected by the Indian Ocean and united by a shared vision of prosperity and sustainable development,” he said.
Placing the dialogue in the context of India’s broader economic trajectory, Sonowal said the country is at a pivotal moment, supported by sustained domestic demand, a reform-oriented policy environment and large-scale infrastructure investment. Over the past decade, he noted, India has implemented wide-ranging reforms in taxation, corporate regulation and digital governance, improving transparency and ease of doing business.
“In the last 11 years, India’s port capacity has doubled, the number of seafarers has tripled, and sea cruise passengers have increased fourfold,” Sonowal said, adding that India’s maritime growth creates natural synergies with partners such as Seychelles. He also highlighted India’s young and skilled workforce as a key pillar of long-term growth and collaboration.
Calling for stronger business-to-business engagement, Sonowal said India and Seychelles are at a moment of opportunity, with historic friendship, political trust, expanding connectivity and a shared maritime vision providing a strong foundation to elevate economic ties.
“From Mumbai to Mahé, the distance is shorter and the possibilities greater,” he said, urging enterprises from both countries to build enduring and mutually beneficial partnerships.
Indian exports to Seychelles include pharmaceuticals, food products, textiles, engineering goods, construction materials, automobiles and consumer products, while Indian companies have contributed to infrastructure development, energy projects, construction and services in the country. Improved connectivity, including direct flights between Mumbai and Mahé, has further strengthened tourism, business travel and commercial engagement.
The roundtable was organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. It was attended by senior officials and industry leaders from both countries, including Vijay Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways; Shyam Jagannathan, Director General of Shipping; Captain B K Tyagi, Chairman and Managing Director, Shipping Corporation of India; M. Angamuthu, Chairperson, Mumbai Port Authority; Gaurav Dayal, Chairperson, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority; Rohit Rathish, High Commissioner of India to Seychelles; and S. Kuppuswamy, Special Advisor, Shapoorji Pallonji.