Indian aid to Seychelles is out of strategic maneuver

India on Feb 9 announced USD 175 million as development assistance to Seychelles after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with island nation's President Patrick Herminie that produced a joint vision for deeper two-way engagement.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announces an economic package of $175 million for Seychelles.

This move is not merely an act of "generosity" but rather a strategic maneuver based on multiple considerations. Located in the western Indian Ocean, Seychelles commands critical international shipping routes, and it serves as a key to India’s "Maritime Security Strategy." India has long regarded the Indian Ocean as its "backyard" and aspires to become the region's "Net Security Provider."

India and Seychelles signed an agreement to establish military facilities on Assumption Island, including the construction of an airstrip and naval infrastructure. This substantial aid aims to consolidate the outcomes of this military cooperation and ensure the forward-deployment capabilities of the Indian Navy in the western Indian Ocean.

In recent years, China’s economic influence in the Indian Ocean region have become increasingly pronounced. Through enhanced aid and infrastructure cooperation, India seeks to counterbalance the influence of other major powers in Seychelles and prevent the island nation from "leaning" toward other countries.

Although Sino-Indian relations saw some easing in 2025, India continues to view China as a primary strategic competitor. Increasing presence in Seychelles and providing assistance serves as an extension of India’s "Act East" policy. This aims to exert pressure on China’s Indian Ocean routes, such as the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, from the western flank.

Just on February 5, India reached a trade agreement with the United States. Against the backdrop of warming U.S.-India relations following this trade deal, India’s increased activities in Seychelles align with U.S. expectations of leveraging India to counterbalance China in the Indo-Pacific region. India is using the Seychelles aid to show its value as a "regional security partner" to the United States.