India's 'SAGAR' and 'Act East' Policies Boost Seychelles' Security, Philippines' Prosperity

India Bolsters Security in Seychelles and Prosperity in the Philippines

New Delhi | August 12, 2026. India is solidifying its commitment to the security and economic prosperity of its 'Global South' allies, achieving significant successes on two distinct diplomatic fronts. From enhancing strategic security in the Indian Ocean to accelerating socio-economic development in Southeast Asia, India is reinforcing its role as a trusted global partner.

In line with this, India's High Commissioner to Seychelles, Rohit R R B Raghunandan, formally handed over five 'Laser Radial' class boats to the Seychelles Defence Force (SDF) during a ceremony in the capital, Victoria. These modern boats were received by the Chief of Defence Forces of Seychelles, Major General Michael Rosette. This handover follows an official announcement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his state visit to Seychelles in June 2026.

Enhancing Maritime Capabilities in Seychelles

The primary objective of these boats is to upgrade the maritime skills and coastal sailing training of Seychelles' military personnel. This initiative aligns with India's 'Vision SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policy, emphasizing collective responsibility in the region.

The Indian High Commission in Seychelles shared on 'X' that these boats will play a crucial role in enhancing the seamanship skills of SDF personnel. The delivery of these boats underscores India's deep commitment to strengthening the SDF's capacity and capability, further deepening the long-standing defence and maritime partnership between India and Seychelles.

Accelerating Socio-Economic Development in the Philippines

Meanwhile, as part of the expansion of India's 'Act East' policy in Southeast Asia, India's Ambassador to the Philippines, Harsh Kumar Jain, handed over a newly constructed 'Working and Training Hall' to the local administration in a grand ceremony. This state-of-the-art hall, built under the 'Quick Impact Projects' (QIP) framework in Numancia, Aklan Province, Philippines, will benefit thousands of local farmers and fishermen.

Diplomatically, this marks the fourth successful ground-level socio-economic development project being implemented under the bilateral agreement signed between India and the Philippines in February 2023. According to the Indian Embassy in the Philippines, Ambassador Jain emphasized at the ceremony that this facility is expected to benefit over 5,500 farmers and fishermen through skill development, capacity building, and improved livelihood opportunities.

Diplomatic Analysts' Perspective

Diplomatic analysts believe that this maritime defence assistance in Seychelles and the infrastructural development for the agri-fishermen community in the Philippines exemplify India's pragmatic global policy. Whether in the domain of maritime security or the socio-economic upliftment of friendly nations, India is today playing the role of a solid diplomatic and strategic bridge across the region.