India is consistently pursuing its foreign policy priorities, with a particular focus on strengthening ties with the island states of the Indian Ocean.
A striking illustration of this strategic approach was the recent three-day visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Seychelles, which took place from 27 to 30 June. The visit coincided with the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Seychelles and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Prime Minister Modi, who arrived in Victoria as the chief guest of honour, was awarded the highest state honour of the Seychelles – the “Guardian of the Blue Horizon”.
Expanding the partnership
During the state visit, the Indian Prime Minister held talks with the President of the Seychelles, Patrick Ermini. It is worth noting that President Ermini recently, in February this year, visited New Delhi, where he addressed the Indian Parliament and met with representatives of the local Hindu community. The outcome of the talks reaffirmed India’s status as a key long-term partner and donor to the Seychelles. Around twenty intergovernmental agreements were signed, covering such important areas as maritime security and defence, the economy and trade, agriculture, healthcare, digital technology, climate change, and space exploration.
New Delhi has provided the Seychelles with a new financial assistance package worth $175 million and a loan of $130 million to fund infrastructure projects. In addition, a maritime reconnaissance aircraft, high-speed patrol vessels and boats, motor vehicles – including ambulances – as well as industrial and agricultural goods were provided as grant aid. The parties agreed to further increase bilateral trade (currently standing at around $100 million) and to attract Indian investment into the island’s economy.
These visits, like the regular trips by Indian leaders to the other island states mentioned, are of immense strategic importance to New Delhi. The islands’ location at the crossroads of key maritime routes makes them indispensable partners in the Indian Ocean basin, particularly in matters of maritime security and bilateral military and defence cooperation. At the same time, India is closely monitoring the growing interest in these states from other global players, including the US, former colonial powers, and, more recently, China.
The ‘SAGAR’ Initiative and Neighbourhood Policy
India’s policy in the region is guided by the ‘SAGAR’ concept and initiative (Security and Growth for All in the Region), launched in 2015. The essence of this initiative lies in jointly ensuring security and economic development in the Indian Ocean. New Delhi is prepared to provide the necessary support to states in the region, including combating piracy, protecting exclusive economic zones, and providing economic and financial assistance. This concept is complemented by the “Neighbourhood First” policy. India regards the countries of the region as part of its “extended neighbourhood” – an area that is critical to safeguarding India’s national security and economic interests.
The successful and targeted implementation of these approaches, together with tangible political and financial-economic support for India’s close island neighbours in the Indian Ocean, helps to strengthen bilateral cooperation and strategic partnership. This reinforces India’s position as a priority ally and defender of these states’ interests in the region.
Such a strategy enables New Delhi not only to strengthen its influence in a strategically important region but also to safeguard its own economic and defence interests.
Developing partnerships with island states helps to create a stable and secure environment in the Indian Ocean, which is a key factor for maritime trade and shipping, in which India plays a significant role.
Furthermore, close ties with these countries enable India to effectively counter potential threats, such as piracy and illegal fishing, which could adversely affect regional stability. Providing assistance in the field of maritime security, including the supply of modern equipment and staff training, is an important element of this strategy.
It is important to note that India seeks to develop cooperation based on mutual respect and mutual benefit while avoiding the imposition of its own conditions. This approach fosters the formation of long-term and enduring partnerships based on trust and shared interests.
Overall, New Delhi’s strategic course towards the comprehensive development of ties with neighbouring island states in the Indian Ocean is far-sighted and multifaceted. It is aimed at strengthening regional security, economic prosperity, and the promotion of Indian interests in one of the world’s most dynamically developing regions.
Anvar Azimov, diplomat and political scientist, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Candidate of Historical Sciences, Senior Research Fellow at the Eurasian Training Institute of MGIMO, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation
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