President to undertake state visit to India after participation in World Government Summit in Dubai

President Patrick Herminie will undertake an official overseas mission from February 3 to 10, State House said in a press release on Sunday.  His overseas mission will encompass his participation in the World Government Summit (WGS) in Dubai, followed by a State Visit to India.

The World Governments Summit will take place from February 3 to 5, and Herminie will participate alongside more than 35 fellow Heads of State and Government.

This year’s Summit marks the largest gathering in its history, providing an unparalleled platform for global dialogue on the future of governance and public policy. It will bring together international organisations, policymakers, business leaders, and thought leaders from over 40 countries to advance innovative, practical solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.

The World Government Summit serves as a forum for shaping future-ready governments, focusing on critical themes such as health systems, social well-being, emerging technologies, sustainable development, and strategies to enhance quality of life.

President Herminie’s participation reinforces Seychelles’ commitment to forward-looking governance, people-centred development, and international cooperation in addressing shared global challenges.

After the summit, the President will proceed to India for a State Visit from February 5 to 10 at the invitation of Prime Minister  Narendra Modi.  The invitation was formally conveyed by the Vice President of India, Chandrapuran Ponnusami (C.P.) Radhakrishnan, in his visit in October 2025, for Herminie’s inauguration as the sixth President of Seychelles.

State House said the visit takes place at a particularly significant moment as Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean, and India commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations.

During the State Visit, the President will hold high-level bilateral discussions with the Prime Minister of India, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, the Vice-President and senior members of the Indian government.

He is expected to engage with leaders from various Indian states and visit cultural, environmental, and health institutions, providing opportunities to exchange best practices and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation.

The State Visit is intended to further consolidate the long-standing partnership between Seychelles and India. Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including healthcare, capacity building, economic development, trade and investment, climate and environmental sustainability, tourism, and regional and maritime security.

Particular emphasis will be placed on cooperation that supports national priorities aimed at improving the efficiency of public services, strengthening resilience within the health system, fostering skills development, and supporting sustainable economic opportunities for Seychellois citizens.

The President will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Ministers and senior officials. There will also be representatives of the private sector, reflecting the government’s integrated approach to diplomacy, one that aligns foreign policy engagement with economic development, investment promotion, and job creation.

This mission emphasises Herminie’s commitment to proactive and results-oriented diplomacy, aimed at strengthening Seychelles’ international partnerships while advancing initiatives that promote social well-being, economic resilience, and long-term prosperity.

State House reiterates that the visit is undertaken in the national interest, with a clear focus on delivering tangible benefits for the people of Seychelles and reinforcing the country’s constructive role within the international community.