Seychelles

Seychelles demonstrates strong alignment with India on issues such as counter-terrorism and UNSC reform, including consistent explicit support for India's candidature for a permanent seat. While Seychelles does not typically comment on Kashmir, its position aligns with the principle of non-interference in internal affairs. However, a notable divergence exists regarding the conflict in Ukraine, where Seychelles has consistently voted in favor of UN General Assembly resolutions condemning Russia's actions, such as ES-11/1, ES-11/2, ES-11/3, and ES-11/4, whereas India has abstained on these key resolutions.

India-Seychelles relations are currently characterized by exceptional warmth and a robust, multi-faceted strategic partnership, firmly underpinned by a long-standing history of trust and mutual respect. Diplomatic and official rhetoric from Seychelles consistently highlights India as a 'trusted partner' and 'key partner' in its development and security aspirations. Recent events underscore this positive sentiment, including high-level engagements at the Shangri-La Dialogue 2026 where Seychelles and India discussed strengthening bilateral defense cooperation and maritime security, reaffirming India's commitment to peace and stability with its regional partners. The visit of Seychelles' Foreign Minister Barry Faure to the Raisina Dialogue 2026 in India further emphasized the 'robust and multifaceted partnership' between the two nations. This follows the highly significant state visit by President Patrick Herminie to India in February 2026, which saw the announcement of a substantial USD 175 million Special Economic Package for Seychelles and the adoption of the 'India–Seychelles Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL)'. Official statements from Seychelles praised India's growing support, quick humanitarian responses, and its respect for Seychelles' sovereignty, highlighting that never before had so much been achieved in a state visit. The historical perception of India as a 'trusted friend' and Seychelles as a 'rock of dependability' for India in the Indian Ocean region is frequently reiterated, reinforcing the deep-seated positive relationship. The media narrative in Seychelles, as observed in recent reports, mirrors this overwhelmingly positive official rhetoric, focusing on the strong bilateral cooperation, developmental aid, and shared strategic interests. There is no evidence of critical or negative coverage, with Seychelles-based news agencies consistently reporting on successful collaborations, defense exercises like 'Lamitiye 2026', and economic initiatives that benefit the island nation. This consistent positive portrayal reinforces the strong diplomatic ties and public goodwill. Public perception and the experience of Indian tourists in Seychelles also reflect a highly favorable outlook. Tourism Seychelles actively engaged in a 2026 India Roadshow in May, recognizing India as a 'strong growth market' and a 'key focus' for its long-term tourism strategy. Indian tourist arrivals surged by nearly 75% in 2025 compared to the previous year, indicating strong interest and a positive reception from the local population. The local Creole culture is described as 'famously laid-back and welcoming to outsiders', contributing to a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors. Furthermore, the significant contributions of the Indian community and professionals to Seychelles' economic, social, and cultural fabric are officially acknowledged and valued, further cementing a positive perception of Indian presence in the country. Overall, the multifaceted interactions demonstrate an exceptionally warm and strategically important partnership.

[High-Tech Hub] The bilateral trade between India and Seychelles in 2025 totals $560.55 million, with India experiencing a significant trade deficit of $161.6 million. This deficit is overwhelmingly driven by India's substantial imports of aircraft and spacecraft parts from Seychelles, while India's exports primarily consist of consumer goods and construction materials. In 2025, the bilateral trade relationship between India and Seychelles reached a total volume of $560.55 million. India's exports to Seychelles amounted to $199.48 million, comprising a diverse range of consumer-oriented and essential goods such as 'OTHER COMMODITIES' ($1.1M), 'ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES' ($0.9M), 'FRESH VEGETABLES' ($0.8M), 'COSMETICS AND TOILETRIES' ($0.6M), and 'CEMENT, CLINKER AND ASBESTOS CEMENT' ($0.5M). These exports indicate that Seychelles serves as a growing market for Indian consumer and infrastructure-related products. Conversely, India's imports from Seychelles were significantly higher at $361.07 million, creating a substantial trade deficit for India of $161.59 million. This deficit is almost entirely attributable to the dominant import category of 'AIRCRAFT, SPACECRAFT AND PARTS', valued at $349.9 million, which accounts for approximately 96.9% of all imports from Seychelles. Other minor imports include 'IRON AND STEEL' ($5.8M), 'INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY FOR DAIRY ETC' ($1.1M), 'CRANES, LIFTS AND WINCHES' ($1.1M), and 'COPPER AND PRODUCTS MADE OF COPPER' ($0.9M). The highly specialized nature and overwhelming value of aircraft and spacecraft components imported from Seychelles suggest a strategic dimension to the trade relationship, hinting at Seychelles' role as a vital hub or conduit for high-value industrial and aerospace assets.

India and Seychelles maintain robust and multifaceted defence ties, projected to continue strengthening through 2026, primarily focused on maritime security, capacity building, and joint military exercises. India actively supports Seychelles' efforts to enhance its maritime surveillance and patrol capabilities through equipment provision, training, and infrastructure development. The 10th edition of the joint military exercise 'LAMI TIYA' was conducted in March 2024, demonstrating consistent engagement. India has consistently provided significant defence assets, including the gifting of 10 Fast Interceptor Boats (FIBs) to the Seychelles Coast Guard in 2023, and a Dornier 228 maritime surveillance aircraft in 2020. Furthermore, India has extended Lines of Credit, such as a $100 million LoC for defence procurement announced in 2018, facilitating the acquisition of further defence equipment and services.

Seychelles is experiencing a significant and accelerating surge in popularity among Indian tourists, with this positive trend projected to solidify strongly by 2026. This growth is predominantly driven by enhanced direct air connectivity, notably the re-introduction of direct flights from major Indian cities like Mumbai, and the highly advantageous visa-free access for Indian citizens. The proactive promotional efforts by the Seychelles Tourism Board in the Indian market are also playing a crucial role. Annual Indian visitors are projected to reach approximately 48,000 by 2026, reflecting an impressive average annual growth rate exceeding 25% from 2023 figures. This sustained and robust interest is also mirrored by a consistent increase in online search queries and travel trade engagement, positioning India as one of Seychelles' most dynamic and rapidly expanding source markets.

As of 2026, Seychelles maintains a highly accessible visa policy for Indian citizens. Indian passport holders do not require a pre-arranged visa to enter Seychelles for tourism. Instead, they are granted a 'Visitor's Permit' upon arrival at no charge for an initial stay, typically for up to 30 or 90 days. This permit can be extended for up to a total of 12 months, though extensions may incur a fee. However, a crucial pre-departure requirement for Indian citizens is to obtain a mandatory 'Travel Authorization (TA)' or 'Health Travel Authorization (HTA)' online before flying to Seychelles. This digital clearance involves immigration screening, health verification, and security checks, and airlines may refuse boarding without an approved authorization. While the Visitor's Permit itself is issued free of charge on arrival, some sources suggest a potential small fee (e.g., €10) for the online Travel Authorization. Required documents for obtaining the Visitor's Permit on arrival include a passport valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay, confirmed return or onward flight tickets, proof of confirmed accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter), and evidence of sufficient funds (approximately $150-$163 per person per day). The policy aligns closely with the 'Visa on Arrival (Free)' or 'Instant eVisa' category due to the free permit issued upon arrival and the straightforward online pre-clearance process, indicating a very smooth and convenient entry procedure for Indian tourists. The mandatory, yet easily obtainable, online Travel Authorization prevents a perfect 'Visa Free' score, but the overall ease and lack of a traditional visa application process place it at a high score. --- PREVIOUS ANALYSIS --- Visa Free: Stay up to 90 days. Mandatory pre-travel authorization (STA) required.

Seychelles is widely regarded as an extremely safe destination for all international tourists, including those visiting from India. The country boasts a very low crime rate, with serious incidents being exceptionally rare. Primary concerns are generally opportunistic petty theft (e.g., unattended valuables on beaches or in unlocked vehicles/accommodations) and natural hazards such as strong ocean currents (especially at unpatrolled beaches), potential for severe sunburn, and marine life encounters (e.g., coral cuts). Road safety can also be challenging due to narrow, winding roads if self-driving. There are no specific safety concerns or reported targeting of tourists based on their nationality, and visitors from India typically experience a welcoming and secure environment. This assessment is based on current trends and projections for 2026, assuming no unforeseen major geopolitical shifts or natural disasters significantly alter the safety landscape.