Why in the news
Seychelles celebrated 50 years of independence and invited the Indian Prime Minister as chief guest, giving the island nation a spotlight in India’s Indian Ocean diplomacy.
Key facts
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|
| Location | Western Indian Ocean, 4°S to 11°S and 46°E to 56°E |
| Capital | Victoria, on Mahé, the largest and most populous island |
| Islands | 115 |
| Independence | 29 June 1976 from the UK |
| Government | Multi-party republic with a single-house National Assembly |
| President | Dr Patrick Herminie, 6th President, in office since 2025 |
| Highest peak | Morne Seychellois, 905 m, on Mahé |
Island groups
- Granitic Inner Islands (Mahe Group): the only mid-ocean islands formed of ancient continental granite.
- Coralline Outer Islands: flat coral atolls, mostly uninhabited.
Biological treasures
| Feature | Detail |
|---|
| Coco de Mer palm | Endemic to two islands, Praslin and Curieuse; heaviest wild fruit at about 30 kg; protected against poaching |
| Aldabra Atoll | UNESCO World Heritage Site (1982); second-largest coral atoll; around 100,000 giant tortoises |
Why it matters to India
- Key partner in India’s MAHASAGAR maritime vision (2025).
- Full member of the Colombo Security Conclave from June 2026, earlier an observer.
- Located between Africa, India and Madagascar; a Blue Bonds and blue economy pioneer.
- Diplomatic ties completing 50 years in 2026; defence cooperation includes India-built fast patrol vessels, Dornier aircraft and joint maritime training.
- Herminie met Modi during his February 2026 State Visit to India and again in June 2026.
Exam angle
- Capital: Victoria; independence: 29 June 1976.
- Aldabra Atoll: UNESCO site and giant tortoise sanctuary.
- Colombo Security Conclave: Seychelles now a full member.