Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the 17th Toy Biz International B2B Expo 2026 in New Delhi on Saturday, Harisoa Lalatiana Accouche, High Commissioner of Seychelles to India, said that although Seychelles is geographically small, its strategic location gives it a crucial role in connecting Africa with Asia and the Middle East.
"Despite the fact that Seychelles is small, the location we have is very strategic, where we can play a big role in connecting Africa. Africa is a big market between Asia and even the Middle East. So do not look at Seychelles as small, but look at the location where we can play a very important role in connecting many countries and many continents," she said while responding to a question from ANI.
Highlighting the broader relationship between the two nations, Accouche said that India and Seychelles share deep historical ties that extend beyond diplomatic engagement and are reinforced by strong people-to-people connections. She said both countries are now focused on building upon the momentum generated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit and translating it into stronger cooperation across multiple sectors.
Expressing confidence about the future of bilateral relations, the High Commissioner said the partnership between India and Seychelles would continue to grow stronger.
"That is obvious. We are going to strengthen more, not only in the business sector but also in people-to-people connections. I am very happy to be here to witness the strengthening of relations and happy to follow up and happy to work more for that," she said.
Referring to Prime Minister Modi's recent visit to Seychelles, Accouche described it as highly successful and said both countries now look forward to implementing the outcomes of the visit through concrete follow-up measures.
She said it was a great honour for Seychelles to host Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the country's Guest of Honour during the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Seychelles' independence.
"It has been not only a visit but a way to strengthen further the relations between Seychelles and India, which are based on historical links. It is not only about diplomatic relations but also people-to-people connectivity," she said.
The envoy further stated that Prime Minister Modi encouraged greater trade and commercial engagement between the two countries and invited Indian investors and business leaders to explore investment opportunities in Seychelles.
"In fact, Seychelles is very small. We do not produce much and we import most of everything. Prime Minister Modi encouraged us to increase trade and commerce between the two countries and encouraged Indian investors and Indian businessmen to come to Seychelles," she said.
Accouche reiterated that Seychelles' strategic geographical position offers Indian businesses a valuable opportunity to access larger regional markets, particularly across the African continent. She emphasized that the island nation should be viewed not for its size but for its strategic importance in connecting multiple countries and continents, making it a significant partner in India's expanding economic engagement with Africa.
The remarks underscore the growing strategic partnership between India and Seychelles following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's State Visit, with both nations aiming to deepen economic cooperation, strengthen people-to-people ties, enhance commercial engagement, and position Seychelles as a key gateway for Indian businesses seeking access to the vast African market.
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