Seychelles a key strategic partner  for India, says President Michel
   

India has always and will remain an important and key strategic partner for Seychelles and we need the expertise of the Indians to move forward on the Blue economy otherwise it will remain a concept. 

President James Michel said this on Thursday in an interview with the national media at the end of a three-day state visit to India which he described as "very successful as it shows the excellent ties and friendship between India and Seychelles, which will keep growing and developing".

“We have to work together and see how to develop it (the Blue economy) to areas that can benefit both our countries. India is reputed to have good scientists and we will work with them to develop the Blue economy concept in a sustainable way,” said President Michel.

Earlier in the day, President Michel made an address at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) 19th Sapru House lecture and he said “the Blue economy is important to India and Seychelles” and noted that there should be regular discussions so that "both countries can think together and work together and develop better concepts". 

Foreign Affairs and Transport Minister Joël Morgan, and Finance, Trade and the Blue Economy Minister Jean-Paul Adam also spoke on the subject of maritime security for Blue economy at the lecture.
Minister Morgan said because “the Blue economy links all regional states within the Indian Ocean it is therefore imperative that even as we seek to maximise the potential of our ocean, that we as well consider and take note that we can ill afford to degrade the environment of the ocean that we need to improve our economic fortunes, for our country and for our people.”

“To do otherwise would degrade not only the viability of our ocean from the Blue economy perspective, but would as well bring down the quality of the lives of the peoples within the region, and with that creating once again insecurity.  

That we are united today, working for a peaceful Indian Ocean, adds much to our relationship. That same relationship contributes to a maritime security posture that will ensure growth, stability and progress for our respective nations,” noted Minister Morgan.

As for Minister Adam, he said India, with its 1,300 islands, is also a maritime and a Blue economy nation and noted that Seychelles and Mauritius together co-manage the 36,000 square km continental shelf area, which is as large as Germany.

"We will approach Indian developers at the right time" to conduct hydrography in the area and to use Indian technical knowledge to develop the sea bed which is known to be rich in marine life and hydrocarbons,” he said. 

The finance minister added that Seychelles with an exclusive economic zone of 1.3 million square kilometres appreciates Indian vessels in our port as they form part of our country’s security strategy. 

"Seychelles recognises that the Indian Ocean belongs to countries of the region but that does not preclude the participation or presence of other counties that can bring positive benefits to the region," he said. 

Referring to peace and security of the Indian Ocean region, he said that besides Chinese ships, other countries too have a presence in the area and mentioned the European Union bloc, which he said, have naval forces.

"In terms of development of the Indian Ocean, we need an ocean that is safe, secure and free of politics in order to allow development of our economies. And also recognise the right of other counties to be present in the region and work with us, with everyone in the region in terms of economic prosperity and development," said Minister Adam.

President Michel and his delegation then flew from Delhi to Mumbai where he had a meeting with Governor of Maharashtra Ch Vidyasagar Rao at Raj Bhavan.

The president also attended a tourism event organised by the Seychelles Tourism Board and Air Seychelles.

Tourism and Culture Minister Alain St Ange and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Transport Minister Joël Morgan spoke about India’s emergence as a dominating player in Seychelles burgeoning tourism industry and outlined key developments taking place between India and Seychelles in the field of foreign affairs and air connectivity.

“Visiting Seychelles is for Indians a unique experience. Seychelles is all about once-in-a-lifetime experiences. It definitely makes for an exotic holiday destination and India has been a dominant player in the Seychelles tourism. With increased and easy connectivity, visa on arrival and gratis for Indians Seychelles is a preferred and hassle-free destination. We welcome all our Indian friends to the islands to experience our beaches, coral reefs, diving, nature reserves, rainforest, and rare wildlife, and also thank them for their continued support,” said Minister St Ange.

Mr St Ange spoke of India’s film industry which he said is a good market strategy for Seychelles to drive more Indian visitors to our shores. Seychelles Tourism Board and Air Seychelles recently teamed up to support the filming of Rocky Handsome, a Bollywood action thriller in Seychelles starring John Abraham. “We hope to attract more attention in the future and collaborate further with the Indian film fraternity,” added Minister St Ange.

During the same event, President Michel received some musical instruments which will be used in a new recording studio.

Also Thursday, three members of the Seychelles delegation – Ramakrishna ‘Ramu’ Pillay, Pravin Darad and Narasimhan Ramani – presented President Michel with a Bull (Nandhi) which they say is a symbol of victory.

Meanwhile, India's leading beauty expert Shahnaz Husain has been nominated as cultural ambassador for Seychelles in India.

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