AGP Executive Report

Tourism Resilience & Russian Market: Seychelles’ tourism minister says the islands are monitoring geopolitical risks to aviation while diversifying routes and markets, with Russian travellers and cultural ties gaining momentum. World Heritage Watch: UNESCO says it’s ready to support Seychelles after an internal review was submitted over a proposed luxury hotel near Assumption Island, stressing compliance to safeguard Aldabra’s Outstanding Universal Value. Tourism Pressure: Seychelles saw May visitor arrivals fall 3.4% year-on-year, with stopover and cruise numbers down, raising concerns about demand vulnerability amid Middle East aviation risks. Agri-Research Boost: ICAR and Seychelles’ Agriculture Department signed an MoU and 2026–2031 work plan on climate-smart farming, horticulture, post-harvest, livestock and food security. India–Seychelles Deals & Digital Payments: During PM Modi’s 50th-visit-era push, India and Seychelles signed nine agreements and announced a major package, including UPI set to go live in Seychelles by year-end. Blue Economy & Environment Recognition: Seychelles conferred “Guardian of the Blue Horizon” on Modi, while critics questioned the rushed, typo-filled rollout. Maritime Security Cooperation: India also handed over made-in-India patrol assets and expanded defence coordination, reinforcing Seychelles’ role in Indian Ocean security. China Ties at 50: China and Seychelles marked 50 years of diplomatic relations with renewed cooperation across tourism, healthcare and people-to-people exchanges.

Maritime & Blue Economy: PM Narendra Modi’s June 27–29 state visit to Seychelles delivered 19 agreements across defence, maritime security, digital payments, healthcare, agriculture, education and space, plus a reported USD 175m development package and the handover of a Made-in-India fast patrol vessel—while Seychelles also honoured him with the new “Guardian of the Blue Horizon” environmental award. Digital Payments: India’s UPI is set to go live in Seychelles by year-end, with officials pointing to the rollout as a boost for tourism, trade and connectivity. Agriculture Research: ICAR and Seychelles’ Agriculture Department signed an MoU with a 2026–2031 work plan covering climate-smart farming, horticulture, post-harvest, livestock and food security. Tourism Pressure: Seychelles saw May visitor arrivals fall 3.4% year-on-year (27,201), with stopover down 11.7% in Jan–May and cruise passenger numbers dropping sharply—raising concerns about demand sensitivity. Boating Industry: Maritimo appointed KJM Marine as its exclusive dealer across the GCC and parts of the Middle East and Indian Ocean, including Seychelles, to meet rising demand for long-range luxury yachts. Seychelles–China Ties: China and Seychelles marked 50 years of diplomatic relations with a reception in Beijing, highlighting cooperation in healthcare, tourism and the blue economy.

Maritime & Defence Dealflow: PM Narendra Modi’s three-day state visit to Seychelles wrapped up with 19 new agreements spanning defence, maritime security, digital payments, healthcare, agriculture, education and space, plus a reported USD 175 million development package and the handover of a “Made-in-India” fast patrol vessel to bolster coast guard capability. Digital Payments for Trade: Seychelles is set to get UPI “by year-end,” with India pushing faster, cheaper payments to support tourism, business and connectivity. Blue Economy & Environment: Seychelles conferred its top environmental honour, “Guardian of the Blue Horizon,” on Modi for climate and sustainable development leadership—though the award’s rushed creation sparked a local political row over transparency. Local Industry Angle: The visit also highlighted India’s support for Seychelles’ priorities through capacity building and sector cooperation, including farm ties and maritime domain awareness. Boating Business in the Region: Luxury yacht builder Maritimo appointed KJM Marine as its exclusive dealer across the GCC and selected Middle East/Indian Ocean territories, including Seychelles, aiming to expand after-sales and commissioning support. Scam & Finance Watch: Crypto exchange KuCoin faced fresh criticism after allegations it threatened a scam victim with legal action, while Bitget promoted its anti-scam push with a new multi-asset fraud report.

India–Seychelles State Visit Wrap-Up: PM Narendra Modi concluded a three-day visit to mark Seychelles’ 50th Independence Day and 50 years of ties, calling the Indian Ocean a shared “ocean of opportunity” and pushing a security-and-growth agenda. Bilateral Deals & Development: India and Seychelles unveiled 19 outcomes across defence, maritime security, digital payments, healthcare, agriculture, education, space and legal cooperation, alongside a reported USD 175 million package. UPI Rollout: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said UPI in Seychelles is targeted to be operational by year-end, boosting digital payments links between the two countries. Maritime Security & Industry: Modi handed over a “Made-in-India” fast patrol vessel and Seychelles also received support including laser radial boats and ambulances, reinforcing coast and maritime capacity. Environment Recognition: Seychelles conferred its top environmental honour, “Guardian of the Blue Horizon,” on Modi—while critics questioned how quickly the award was created. Diaspora & Culture: Modi met the Indian community in Victoria, praising it as a “living bridge” and highlighting people-to-people ties alongside the Golden Jubilee celebrations.

India–Seychelles State Visit Wrap-Up: PM Narendra Modi has concluded a three-day trip to mark Seychelles’ 50th Independence Day, calling the Indian Ocean a shared “ocean of opportunity” and saying the next phase will focus on innovation, sustainability and shared prosperity. Bilateral Deals for Industry & Digital Payments: The two countries unveiled 19 outcomes spanning defence and maritime security, digital payments (with UPI targeted to be operational in Seychelles by year-end), healthcare, agriculture, education and space cooperation, alongside a reported USD 175 million development package. Maritime Capability Boost: Modi handed over a “Made in India” fast patrol vessel (PS LESPWAR) plus ambulances and other support equipment to strengthen Seychelles’ EEZ patrol and surveillance. Environmental Recognition: Seychelles conferred its first-ever “Guardian of the Blue Horizon” honour on Modi for environmental conservation and sustainable development, though the award’s rushed creation sparked a local row over process and even certificate errors. People-to-People & Tourism: Modi met the Indian diaspora in Victoria, praising cultural ties, while Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayra Starr visited President Herminie ahead of her Independence Day performance. Seychelles–China Cooperation: Separate coverage highlights Seychelles-China ties entering a new era, with tourism and people-to-people exchanges flagged as key growth areas.

India-Seychelles 50-Year Partnership: PM Narendra Modi wrapped up a three-day state visit, calling the next 50 years a push for innovation, sustainability and shared prosperity after talks with President Patrick Herminie and the unveiling of 19 outcomes across defence, maritime security, digital payments, space, healthcare, agriculture and education. Maritime & Security Deliverables: India handed over a “Made in India” fast patrol vessel (PS LESPWAR) plus ambulances, utility vehicles and laser boats, while both sides stressed that security in the Indian Ocean is inseparable. UPI Rollout: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said UPI will be operational in Seychelles by year-end, alongside broader digital cooperation. Blue Economy & Climate Diplomacy: Seychelles conferred its first-ever “Guardian of the Blue Horizon” honour on Modi for environmental leadership and climate resilience, though the award’s rushed creation sparked a row over certificate errors. Local Industry Angle: The visit also pointed to new cooperation opportunities for Seychelles industries, including connectivity, renewable energy and digital transformation, with officials highlighting tourism, culture and the blue economy as key growth areas. People-to-People Tourism: Seychelles-China ties were also highlighted by Tourism and Culture Minister Amanda Bernstein, framing tourism as “the truest form of diplomacy” as Chinese visitor interest grows. Anti-Scam Tech Note: Bitget launched its third Anti-Scam Month with a report on how fraud is evolving across multi-asset digital finance.

India–Seychelles Deals: PM Narendra Modi and President Patrick Herminie unveiled 19 outcomes covering defence and maritime security, UPI digital payments, space cooperation, healthcare, agriculture, education and more, alongside a USD 175 million Special Economic Package. Maritime & Security Support: India handed over a “Made in India” fast patrol vessel (PS LESPWAR) plus ambulances, utility vehicles and laser radial boats, and completed refits/upgrades for Seychelles coast guard and aviation assets. Digital Payments Rollout: India confirmed UPI will be operational in Seychelles by year-end, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also flagging talks on deeper connectivity via shipping and aviation links. Blue Economy & Climate: Seychelles awarded Modi its top environmental honour, “Guardian of the Blue Horizon,” as both sides pushed climate justice, fisheries and marine science cooperation under the MAHASAGAR vision. Infrastructure & Human Capital: Aid also included rice and cement, a virtual ground-breaking for a Professional and Technical Education Centre, and Seychelles’ move to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. National Day Spotlight: Modi attended Seychelles’ 50th Independence Day as Guest of Honour, with Indian Navy and Assam Rifles participation and ships docked at Port Victoria.

Blue Economy & Climate Leadership: Seychelles conferred its highest honour, “Guardian of the Blue Horizon,” on Indian PM Narendra Modi, praising his work on environmental conservation, sustainable development and ocean governance. Seychelles-India Deals: During Modi’s state visit, India and Seychelles unveiled 19 outcomes covering digital payments (UPI), defence and maritime security, space cooperation, healthcare, agriculture, education, plus an umbrella line of credit and plans for a new Seychelles National Hospital. Maritime Security & Industry Support: India also handed over a fast patrol vessel (LESPWAR), vehicles and boats for the Seychelles Defence Force, and aid including ambulances, rice and cement—a direct boost to local capability and infrastructure. Connectivity & Trade: India’s Foreign Secretary said talks included expanding shipping and aviation links and exploring a comprehensive economic partnership, with cooperation framed as trust, not transactions. Assomption Island Question: On potential cooperation there, Misri stressed any steps would follow Seychelles’ priorities. Local Governance & Youth Focus: Opposition leader Bernard Georges backed the “unity in diversity” message, while officials said discussions also aim to engage Seychellois youth in the partnership.

India–Seychelles State Visit: PM Narendra Modi met President Patrick Herminie in Victoria for bilateral talks aimed at deepening ties ahead of Seychelles’ Golden Jubilee National Day, after receiving a ceremonial Guard of Honour at State House and arriving with cultural performances. Maritime Security & Industry: India handed over a “Made in India” fast patrol vessel, PS LESPWAR (built by Goa Shipyard), plus ambulances, utility vehicles and laser radial boats to boost Seychelles’ maritime surveillance and EEZ patrol capacity. Tourism & Trade Outlook: Seychelles FM Barry Faure said the visit is expected to strengthen tourism and trade, with agreements also expected in maritime security, space cooperation, cybersecurity and mutual legal assistance. Regional Finance: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, covering Seychelles among 13 countries. Politics & Environment: India’s Congress criticised Modi’s Seychelles visit as “hypocrisy” over environmental concerns tied to India’s Great Nicobar project.

Seychelles at 50, India ties surge: PM Narendra Modi arrived in Victoria for Seychelles’ Golden Jubilee National Day, with talks expected to deepen cooperation across maritime security, tourism, and new areas like space, cybersecurity, and mutual legal assistance; Seychelles FM Barry Faure said agreements are on the cards, while the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry flagged trade and skills opportunities. Maritime outreach in the Indian Ocean: India also docked navy ships in Thailand and Seychelles as part of wider Indo-Pacific engagement, and Modi’s visit includes a patrol vessel handover aimed at boosting maritime security. Hospitality with a conservation edge: A local feature highlights how Seychelles tourism sells “untouched” luxury—plastic cuts, beach lighting limits for turtles, and tighter coastline rules—tying hospitality directly to environmental protection. Afreximbank leadership move: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Southern Africa Director of Regional Operations, covering Seychelles among 13 countries—potentially relevant for regional trade and industrial financing. UN Tourism planning: Seychelles is gearing up to host the 69th UN Tourism CAF meeting in July, with a focus on human capital and tourism workforce development.

Seychelles Golden Jubilee & Tourism: Seychelles’ 50th independence celebrations are in full swing, with a destination-wide programme across Mahé, Praslin and La Digue and a new public holiday declared for 30 June to keep the momentum going. PM Modi Visit (27–29 June): Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives for the Golden Jubilee National Day as Guest of Honour, with Seychelles expecting fresh deals spanning maritime security, space cooperation, cybersecurity and mutual legal assistance—while India’s Vision MAHASAGAR is set to be a key theme. Trade & Skills Push: Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry says the visit could boost trade, investment and skills development, as India and Seychelles look to expand cooperation into AI, cyberspace, marine sciences and the blue economy. Aviation Boost: Qatar Airways adds summer capacity including 4 weekly flights to Seychelles, supporting tourism demand. Sports Infrastructure: UAE-backed Anse Royale indoor sports complex foundation stone laid, aiming to open new opportunities for athletes and schools. UN Tourism (2–4 July): Seychelles prepares to host the 69th UN Tourism CAF meeting and a human-capital conference, spotlighting skills for tourism growth. Local Industry Watch: Seychelles-registered crypto exchange CoinEx rejects claims it served as a conduit for billions in Iranian sanctioned flows, as U.S. enforcement pressure continues.

Seychelles-India Business Push: PM Narendra Modi will visit Seychelles from June 27–29 as Guest of Honour for the Golden Jubilee National Day, with the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry saying the trip will boost trade, investment, skills development and new cooperation areas. Maritime Security Deal: India is set to hand over a patrol vessel to Seychelles during the visit, underlining a deepening defence partnership focused on surveillance and safeguarding sea lanes. Tech & Blue Economy Talks: India’s High Commissioner says new agreements are expected across AI, cyberspace, cybersecurity, marine sciences and conservation. Tourism Skills Agenda: Seychelles will host UN Tourism’s Africa regional meeting (2–4 July) on strengthening human capital for tourism growth. Sports Infrastructure: The UAE-backed Anse Royale indoor sports complex foundation stone was laid, targeting opportunities for athletes and communities in Mahé’s south. Fuel Cost Pressure: A new report highlights how high gasoline prices are squeezing African businesses and logistics, with knock-on effects for competitiveness. Crypto Scrutiny: Seychelles-registered CoinEx denies TRM Labs’ claims it routed $3.84bn in Iranian-linked sanctioned crypto flows, as US enforcement tightens.

Seychelles–India Security & Trade: PM Narendra Modi will visit Mahé from June 27–29 as Guest of Honour for Seychelles’ 50th National Day, with talks on maritime security and economic cooperation, and India set to hand over a patrol vessel during the trip. Tourism & Connectivity: Seychelles Tourism Board wrapped up a Germany roadshow in Stuttgart and Munich, while Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines and Aeroflot are boosting summer air links earlier than usual to support visitor numbers. Maritime Environment: A study warns abandoned drifting tuna fish-aggregating devices are damaging coral reefs and harming wildlife, including inside marine protected areas. Crypto & Sanctions Risk: Seychelles-registered CoinEx is denying TRM Labs/WSJ claims that it handled $3.84bn in on-chain flows tied to sanctioned Iranian entities, as US enforcement tightens. Fisheries Cooperation: A Seychelles–Bahrain fisheries and aquaculture MoU was approved by Cabinet, pointing to more regional industry collaboration.

Crypto Compliance Clash: Seychelles-registered CoinEx denies claims it acted as a $3.84bn gateway for sanctioned Iranian entities, saying it never had commercial ties to Iranian government-linked parties and that onchain passage doesn’t prove platform awareness. Digital Asset Enforcement: The U.S. DOJ seized a Huione Group cloud account tied to laundering billions for North Korean and other cybercrime networks, as part of Operation Riptide. Onchain Markets & Finance: MEXC (Seychelles) expands Ondo tokenized stock spot pairs across AI, semiconductors and energy, while Bitget adds Nesa (NES) for spot trading and upgrades CFD copy trading with tighter risk controls. Tourism & Connectivity: Seychelles Tourism Board wraps up a Germany roadshow in Stuttgart and Munich, and Seychelles boosts summer air links with earlier/expanded Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines and Aeroflot services. Local Food & Culture: Local Food Fest 2026 runs June 26–29 at Roche Caiman, now four days for Seychelles’ Golden Jubilee. Agribusiness Opportunity: High-value greenhouse vegetable farming is highlighted as a growing opportunity in Seychelles.

Tourism & Connectivity: Seychelles is boosting its summer travel outlook with earlier and expanded services from Qatar Airways (4 weekly flights from June 16), Turkish Airlines (first summer service in three years from June 17), and Aeroflot, improving links across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Russia. Tourism Partnerships: Tourism Seychelles also reaffirmed its recovery push with Emirates, focusing on connectivity, joint marketing and visitor growth after Middle East disruptions. Local Food & Culture: The Local Food Fest 2026 returns June 26–29 at Roche Caiman, now a four-day Golden Jubilee edition aimed at showcasing Seychellois gastronomy and strengthening tourism, hospitality and cultural ties. Marine & Fisheries Policy: Seychelles-backed sustainable fisheries partnership work was cited in Cyprus’ EU fisheries discussions, including progress on agreements and future Common Fisheries Policy planning beyond 2027. Agri-Business: High-value greenhouse vegetable farming is highlighted as a growing Seychelles opportunity for protected cultivation and stronger food security. Business & Finance (Seychelles-linked): EDENA Capital Partners and Cantor8 launched Concordia, a sovereign-grade digital finance infrastructure platform for Africa, unveiled during Africa Day 2026 in Indonesia.

Seychelles Tourism & Connectivity: Seychelles is boosting its summer travel outlook with earlier/expanded services from Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines and Aeroflot, improving links to Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Russia. Local Tourism Partnerships: Tourism Seychelles and Emirates have reaffirmed their strategic partnership, focusing on connectivity, joint marketing and recovery support after geopolitical travel shocks. Seychelles Food & Culture: The Local Food Fest 2026 returns June 26–29 at Roche Caiman for a four-day Golden Jubilee edition, spotlighting Creole-inspired local food, culture and tourism partners. Marine & Fisheries Policy: Cyprus’ EU presidency highlighted progress on the future of the Common Fisheries Policy, including sustainable fisheries partnership agreements with Seychelles. Agriculture & Food Security: A Seychelles agriculture feature points to high-value greenhouse vegetable farming as a growing protected-cultivation opportunity for climate resilience and profitability. Business & Compliance Watch: A Singapore property agent was jailed after promoting an Australian housing scheme that left 347 investors S$16m out, underscoring risks in cross-border property investment schemes. Industry Tech (Seychelles-linked): Bitget rolled out upgrades to CFD copy trading with new risk controls and launched its VIP Miracle Badge Program for multi-asset traders.