During his state visit to India, he also invited TCS – which is part of the Tata Group and in the top 10 global information technology providers – to take part in Seychelles’ bid to link up with the world via the East.

A link to the East, as well as the connection already being set up with Africa, would ensure Seychelles is permanently connected to the rest of the world at all times through high-quality phone and internet services.

TCS has expertise in building and developing fibre-optic submarine cables and expressed an interest in becoming involved in the Seychelles project.

During his visit, Mr Michel saw presentations on the latest IT technology, including the 4G network for mobile telecoms, as well as the latest software and networking facilities developed by the company.

He also discussed the possibility of TCS setting up a regional centre in Seychelles, which the company said it will consider.