Victoria, June 28 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Seychelles President Patrick Herminie on Sunday discussed new opportunities in industries, connectivity, technology, and digital infrastructure during the PM’s state visit to the archipelagic island.

“President Herminie and I took stock of the economic partnership between India and Seychelles. We discussed new opportunities in industries, connectivity, technology, digital infrastructure and more. India will keep working with Seychelles in sectors such as housing, healthcare, transport, skilling, food security, education and defence,” PM Modi wrote on X.

PM Modi also noted that he and Seychelles’s President agreed that the security, sustainability, and prosperity of the Indian Ocean are shared responsibilities.

“Dr. Patrick Herminie and I agree that the Indian Ocean is our shared home and therefore, its security, sustainability and prosperity are our shared responsibility. India envisions an Indian Ocean where: Maritime security advances alongside economic prosperity. Our partnership is based not on size, but on mutual respect and trust. We do not merely live close to one another, but move forward together. Our vision is to make the Indian Ocean an Ocean of Opportunity,” the Prime Minister highlighted on X.

They also held wide-ranging discussions at the State House earlier on Saturday.

“My visit is taking place at a historic moment when Seychelles is completing 50 years of its independence, and we are also celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles. Our talks focused on how to add further momentum to this close partnership,” PM Modi wrote on X.

India and Seychelles on Sunday signed agreements to strengthen bilateral ties across trade, digital technology and agriculture following talks between the leaders.

The two countries agreed on several major initiatives, including the umbrella line of credit agreement for Rs 1,250 crore between the Export-Import Bank of India and the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning, Trade and Investment of Seychelles, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

–IANS

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