Mumbai, July 6 -- India handed over 500 metric tonnes (t) of rice and 8500 metric tonnes (t) to Seychelles during a state visit by the Indian prime minister, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said. The deliveries were presented as part of India's role as a food security partner and to meet immediate development needs through timely and need based assistance. The handover was described as reinforcing India's support to the Global South and deepening bilateral ties.
An Umbrella Line of Credit agreement was established between the Government of Seychelles and the Export-Import Bank of India, creating a financing framework under which Seychelles may access Indian credit for approved projects. The arrangement is intended to facilitate concessional financing for infrastructure and development priorities identified by Seychelles authorities. Officials framed the facility as enabling project level cooperation rather than conditional aid.
Legal and security cooperation was advanced with the signing of an extradition treaty aimed at strengthening cooperation against transnational crime. To bolster maritime and internal security, India gifted a fast patrol vessel, 10 utility vehicles and five sets of Laser Radial class boats to the Seychelles Defence Forces. The package of defence equipment was presented as part of India's effort to act as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region.
India reiterated that its development partnership model focuses on grants, concessional financing, capacity building and humanitarian assistance based on local priorities rather than conditionality. The combined measures of material aid, credit lines and security cooperation were characterised as furthering durable bilateral engagement and responding to Seychelles' development and security requirements. Officials indicated the cooperation aimed to support the island nation's resilience and regional connectivity.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.