Seychelles has assured India that it would be a rock of dependability for New Delhi in the Indian Ocean Region and thanked it for the support in combating piracy. During a meeting with visiting President Pratibha Devisingh Patil, her Seychelles' counterpart James Alix Michel thanked India for supporting his country in the fight against piracy.

The two countries also signed two MoUs including one on Security and police research under which police personnel of the island republic will receive training from India to combat piracy and other challenges. The second MoU was on cooperation in youth and sports affairs. India also extended 50 million Dollar line of credit besides the existing 10 million dollar. It also extended a grant of 25 million dollars for the development of the country.

he President Mrs.Pratibha Devi Singh Patil will be on a nine day state visit to South Africa and Seychelles beginning Sunday. She will be accompanied by a huge business delegation to both the countries. Briefing the newsmen in New Delhi today, Secretary West in the External Affairs Ministry Mr. M. Ganapathi said, the visits are expected to provide a platform for an extensive exchange of views on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest. 

He said, the presence of a business delegation will allow for greater business to business engagement providing for expansion in trade, economic and investment related activity between India, Seychelles and South Africa. Mr. Ganapathi said, the visits will encourage greater people-to-people contact and provide greater content and meaning to India’s partnership with both Seychelles and South Africa.