‘Seychelles appreciates India’s support to the country’ – Minister Radegonde |07 June 2022

HC Suhag in a souvenir photograph with Minister Radegonde and his team

Indian High Commissioner General Dalbir Singh Suhag (Retd.) yesterday paid a final courtesy call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs & Tourism, Sylvestre Radegonde, to mark the end of his tenure.

The high commissioner of India was accredited to the Republic of Seychelles in June 2019.

During his audience, the minister expressed the Seychelles government’s appreciation for all the support India has provided to the country.

“We have had a frank and open relationship, which is how it should be, guided by the principles that we live by,” stated Minister Radegonde.

The high commissioner thanked the minister and the staff of the Foreign Affairs department for the high level of professionalism in their work delivery throughout his mission in Seychelles.

India and Seychelles share a harmonious and vibrant relationship. Bilateral relations have flourished over more than 45 years, resulting in a dynamic cooperation programme in numerous sectors.

Notable areas of cooperation during the high commissioner’s tenure of office are the new Magistrates Court at Ile du Port, on-going projects under the High Impact Community Development Projects, and the 1 megawatt solar farm on Romainville Island.

President Wavel Ramkalawan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated these projects in a virtual summit held in April 2021.

The ceremony also included the official handover of the fast patrol vessel ‘PS Zoroaster’.

In the health sector, India sent two consignments of medical supplies in 2020, donated 50,000 doses of the Covishield vaccine in 2021 and signed the memorandum of understanding on the reciprocal recognition of Covid-19 vaccination certificates in 2022.

Other sectors of cooperation are education and capacity development, maritime security, sports, and youth.

In reiterating best wishes for the future, Minister Radegonde expressed that the Seychelles government is looking forward to closely working with his successor in the same spirit to consolidate this relationship to greater heights.

A new high commissioner is yet to be nominated.

Also present at the meeting were principal secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Vivianne Fock Tave, and senior officials of the Foreign Affairs department.

Press release from the Foreign Affairs department