Chennai, Feb 5 (UNI) Seychelles President Dr. Patrick Herminie arrived in Chennai on Thursday, marking the beginning of his first state visit to India.
The six-day visit comes at a time when India and Seychelles are celebrating 50 years of longstanding and multifaceted diplomatic relations.
"Commemorating 50 years of longstanding and multifaceted India-Seychelles bilateral ties. A warm welcome to President Dr. Patrick Herminie of Seychelles as he arrives in Chennai for his first state visit to India," EAM spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on the social media platform X.
During his stay, discussions are expected to focus on cooperation in maritime security, trade, development partnership, and people-to-people exchanges.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, President Herminie will meet President Droupadi Murmu and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest.
The two countries share a strong partnership in ensuring a stable and secure maritime environment, aligned with India’s Vision MAHASAGAR and its broader commitment to the Global South.
This will be President Herminie’s first visit to India since he assumed office last October. President Herminie will be accompanied by First Lady Veronique Herminie.
On February 6, President Herminie will call on the Governor of Tamil Nadu in Chennai. He will travel to Mumbai on February 7 for a meeting with the Governor of Maharashtra.
The President and First Lady will arrive in New Delhi on February 8. Official engagements on February 9 will begin with a meeting with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at Rajghat.
Later in the day, President Herminie will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House, after which joint press statements will be issued. He is also scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
On February 10, President Herminie will visit the Taj Mahal in Agra before departing from New Delhi later that night, concluding his State Visit to India.
India and Seychelles have forged a strategic partnership in 2024 to ensure stable and secure maritime environments in the Indian Ocean. India views Seychelles as vital for its maritime security and countering emerging threats like piracy and illegal fishing.
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