India-Seychelles Bilateral Relations
India's long-standing and strong bilateral ties with Seychelles encompass comprehensive development partnership, robust defence and maritime security coopera...
PM Modi hails India-Seychelles ties as 'steady, strong and long-lasting'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Seychelles to attend its National Day golden jubilee celebrations and held talks with President Patrick Herminie. During the visit, PM Modi emphasized the 'steady, strong and long-lasting' friendship between India and Seychelles, highlighting India's role as a committed development partner across sectors including infrastructure, defence, health, and maritime security. A significant event was the handover of a 'Made in India' fast patrol vessel, Lespwar, to the Seychelles Coast Guard, reaffirming India's commitment to strengthening Seychelles' maritime security capabilities. Diplomatic ties between the two nations were established in 1976.
Syllabus mapping
Mains syllabus topics
Indian Culture Art Architecture
Modern Indian History
Indian Society Diversity
Women Population Urbanization
Globalization Indian Society
Prelims takeaways
- India's strategic partnership with Seychelles, an archipelagic nation in the Indian Ocean.
- Key areas of India-Seychelles cooperation infrastructure, defence, health, and maritime security.
- Specific defense cooperation India gifted a 'Made in India' fast patrol vessel named Lespwar to the Seychelles Coast Guard.
- Diplomatic ties between India and Seychelles were established in 1976.
- PM Modi's visit for Seychelles' National Day golden jubilee celebrations.
Elimination traps
- Misidentifying the name of the gifted patrol vessel (Lespwar).
- Incorrectly stating the year diplomatic relations were established.
- Confusing the current President of Seychelles.
Static concepts
- Bilateral relations
- Maritime security
- Development partnership
- Indian Ocean Region strategy
Probable question areas
Question areas
- Questions on India's 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision and its implementation in the Indian Ocean.
Question areas
- Details of India's defense and development cooperation with Indian Ocean island nations.
Question areas
- Geographical and strategic importance of Seychelles in the Indian Ocean.
Question areas
- India's role as a net security provider and development partner in its extended neighborhood.
UPSC concepts in this story
Durable syllabus ideas for revision — not article memory.
Previous year Prelims questions on overlapping themes and topics.
The Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany visited India in January, 2026. Which of the following is/are **not** correct in terms of outcomes of this visit ?
1. Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the All India Institute of Ayurveda and the University of Hamburg
2. Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Youth Hockey Development between Hockey India and the German Hockey Federation
3. Establishment of a bilateral dialogue mechanism on the Indo-Pacific
4. Opening of an Honorary Consul of Germany in Lucknow
Select the answer using the code given below :
Explanation
Correct answer
B. 1 and 4
Statement 1 is Incorrect: During the visit, an MoU was signed to strengthen cooperation in traditional medicine between Gujarat Ayurveda University and German institutions. (An earlier MoU in late 2025 was agreed upon between the All India Institute of Ayurveda and Charité Universitätsmedizin in Berlin, not the University of Hamburg). Statement 2 is Correct: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Youth Hockey Development was officially signed between Hockey India and the German Hockey Federation. Statement 3 is Correct: The two nations announced the establishment of a new bilateral dialogue mechanism on the Indo-Pacific, alongside a Track 1.5 Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue. Statement 4 is Incorrect: Following the Chancellor's focus on Gujarat, Germany announced the appointment of an Honorary Consul in Ahmedabad to foster closer cooperation in the western region, rather than in Lucknow. Since the question asks for the statements that are not correct, statements 1 and 4 fit the criteria. Therefore, the correct option is B.
International Relations
Current Affairs
Geopolitics & International Conflicts
With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, Consider the following statements:
1. It was established very recently in response to incidents of piracy and accidents of oil spills
2. It is an alliance meant for maritime security only
Which of the following statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Correct answer
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Statement 1 is incorrect. IOR-ARC is a regional cooperation initiative of the Indian Ocean Rim countries. It was established in Mauritius in March 1997 with the aim of promoting economic and technical cooperation. IOR-ARC is the only pan-Indian ocean grouping. It brings together countries from three continents having different sizes, economic strengths, and a wide diversity of languages, cultures. Statement 2 is incorrect. It aims to create a platform for trade, socio-economic and cultural cooperation in the Indian Ocean rim area. The Indian Ocean Rim is rich in strategic and precious minerals, metals and other natural resources, marine resources and energy, all of which can be sourced from Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ), continental shelves and the deep seabed.
International Relations
Geopolitics & International Conflicts
Who of the following is the author of the books "The India Way" and "Why Bharat Matters"?
Explanation
Correct answer
D. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar
* Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is an Indian diplomat and politician serving as the Minister of External Affairs of India since 2019. He has authored two prominent books: * 'The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World' (2020) which provides insights into India's foreign policy approach. * 'Why Bharat Matters' is a compilation of his articles and speeches that delve into India's global significance.
International Relations
Current Affairs
Art & Culture
Geopolitics & International Conflicts
Consider the following in respect of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS):
1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy.
2. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among the navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Explanation
Correct answer
B. 2 only
Statement 1 is incorrect. The inaugural IONS was held in February 2008 in New Delhi, India. The Indian Navy served as the Chair for the first two years (2008-2010). Statement 2 is correct. IONS is indeed a voluntary initiative that aims to promote maritime cooperation among the navies of countries bordering the Indian Ocean. It provides a platform for discussions on regional maritime security issues and fosters friendly relationships between participating nations.
International Relations
Current Affairs
Geopolitics & International Conflicts
Which one of the following pairs is **not** correctly matched ?
(Indian Army Corps) : (Headquarters)
Explanation
Correct answer
D. 33 Corps : Srinagar
Option A is correctly matched: The 3 Corps (Spear Corps) is headquartered at Rangapahar Military Station in Dimapur, Nagaland. It operates under the Eastern Command and handles counter-insurgency and border defense in the Northeast. Option B is correctly matched: The 4 Corps (Gajraj Corps) is headquartered in Tezpur, Assam. It operates under the Eastern Command and is primarily responsible for defending the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh. Option C is correctly matched: The 14 Corps (Fire and Fury Corps) is headquartered in Leh, Ladakh. It operates under the Northern Command and guards the Kargil-Leh frontiers with China and Pakistan, as well as the Siachen Glacier. Option D is incorrectly matched: The 33 Corps (Trishakti Corps) is headquartered in Sukna (near Siliguri), West Bengal, and not in Srinagar. It operates under the Eastern Command and is responsible for the Sikkim sector and the strategically vital Siliguri Corridor. The Indian Army corps headquartered in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, is the 15 Corps (Chinar Corps). Therefore, the correct option is D.
Current Affairs
International Relations
Geopolitics & International Conflicts
Which of the following statements about 'Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023' are correct?
1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.
4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.
Select the answer using the code given below :
Explanation
Correct answer
D. 2, 3 and 4
* Statement 1 is incorrect: Exercise MITRA SHAKTI-2023 was a joint military exercise between India and Sri Lanka. * Statement 2 is correct: The ninth edition of Joint Military exercise “Exercise MITRA SHAKTI-2023” commenced in Aundh (Pune). * Statement 3 is correct: The Scope of the exercise includes synergizing joint responses during counter-terrorist operations. * Statement 4 is correct: 15 personnel from Indian Air Force and five personnel from Sri Lankan Air Force participated in the exercise.
International Relations
Current Affairs
Geopolitics & International Conflicts
With reference to the United Nations General Assembly, consider the following statements:
1. The UN General Assembly can grant observer status to the non-member States.
2. Inter-governmental organisations can seek observer status in the UN General Assembly.
3. Permanent Observers in the UN General Assembly can maintain missions at the UN headquarters.
Which of the statements given above are correct ?
Explanation
Correct answer
D. 1, 2 and 3
Statement 1 is correct. The United Nations General Assembly may grant non-member states, international organizations, and other entities Permanent Observer Status. Statement 2 is correct. The General Assembly decided that observer status would be confined to States and intergovernmental organizations whose activities cover matters of interest to the Assembly. Statement 3 is correct. Permanent Observers may participate in the sessions and workings of the General Assembly and maintain missions at the UN Headquarters.
International Relations
Geopolitics & International Conflicts
Consider the following statements regarding the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS):
1. The summit held in 2015 marked the third edition of the IAFS.
2. The IAFS mechanism was instituted under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru in 1951.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Correct answer
A. 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: The Third India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-III) was hosted in New Delhi in October 2015. The first and second summits were held in 2008 (New Delhi) and 2011 (Addis Ababa), respectively, making the 2015 event the third edition. Statement 2 is incorrect: The India-Africa Forum Summit was institutionalized in 2008 to serve as the official platform for African-Indian relations. While Jawaharlal Nehru was a pioneer of Afro-Asian solidarity (e.g., the Asian Relations Conference of 1947), the IAFS is a distinct 21st-century initiative and was not established in 1951.
International Relations
Geopolitics & International Conflicts
In the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, an initiative of six countries, which of the following is/are not participant/ participants?
1. Bangladesh
2. Cambodia
3. China
4. Myanmar
5. Thailand
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation
Correct answer
C. 1 and 3 only
All 6 participants of the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation are member countries bordering the basins of the Mekong and Ganga rivers, aiming to collaborate on various initiatives. These countries are: - India - Cambodia - Laos - Myanmar - Thailand - Vietnam Hence, China & Bangladesh are not part of the Mekong-Ganga Corporation.
International Relations
Geopolitics & International Conflicts
Recently, India signed a deal known as ‘Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field’ with which of the following countries?
Explanation
Correct answer
B. Russia
* India signed the ‘Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field’ with Russia. * India and Russia have a long-standing strategic partnership in the field of civil nuclear cooperation. * The agreement aims to enhance collaboration in areas such as nuclear fuel cycle management, nuclear power projects, and research in nuclear science and technology. * Russia has been a key partner in India's nuclear energy sector, particularly through Rosatom, which has been involved in building Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) in Tamil Nadu. * Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States have also engaged in nuclear cooperation with India but were not part of this specific agreement.
International Relations
Current Affairs
Geopolitics & International Conflicts
Previous year Mains questions mapped to overlapping GS syllabus topics.
Does tribal development in India centre around two axes, those of displacement and of rehabilitation? Give your opinion.
Salient features of Indian Society and Diversity
Women, population, poverty, urbanization and development
View Mains PYQ
Achieving sustainable growth with emphasis on environmental protection could come into conflict with poor people’s needs in a country like India – Comment.
Salient features of Indian Society and Diversity
Women, population, poverty, urbanization and development
View Mains PYQ
How do you account for the growing fast food industries given that there are increased health concerns in modern society? Illustrate your answer with the Indian experience.
Salient features of Indian Society and Diversity
Women, population, poverty, urbanization and development
Effects of globalization on Indian society
View Mains PYQ
Discuss the distribution and density of population in the Ganga River Basin with special reference to land, soil and water resources.
Salient features of world's physical geography
Distribution of natural resources and industrial location
Women, population, poverty, urbanization and development
View Mains PYQ
Mahatma Jotirao Phule’s writings and efforts of social reforms touched issues of almost all subaltern classes. Discuss.
Modern Indian history (mid-18th century to present)
Salient features of Indian Society and Diversity
Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism and secularism
View Mains PYQ
Do you think that globalization results in only an aggressive consumer culture? Justify your answer.
Effects of globalization on Indian society
View Mains PYQ
With reference to the recent visit of Prime Minister Modi to Seychelles, consider the following statements: 1. India handed over a fast patrol vessel named 'Lespwar' to the Seychelles Coast Guard. 2. The vessel 'Lespwar' was manufactured in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
The article explicitly states that PM Modi handed over a 'Made in India' fast patrol vessel named 'Lespwar' to the Seychelles Coast Guard, reaffirming New Delhi's commitment to strengthening the nation’s maritime security capabilities. Therefore, both statements are correct.
Diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles were formally established in which year?
Explanation
The article mentions, 'Seychelles and India have maintained close and mutually beneficial relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1976'.
India's partnership with Seychelles, as highlighted during the recent Prime Minister's visit, primarily focuses on which of the following sectors? 1. Infrastructure development 2. Defence and maritime security 3. Health services 4. Space technology Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation
The article states that India is 'a committed development partner across sectors including infrastructure, defence, health, and maritime security.' Space technology is not mentioned as a primary focus of this partnership in the provided text.
"India's commitment to strengthening Seychelles' maritime security capabilities, as exemplified by the handover of the fast patrol vessel 'Lespwar', reflects its broader strategic interests in the Indian Ocean Region." Discuss this statement in the context of India's foreign policy objectives.
Introduce India's vision for the Indian Ocean Region (e.g., SAGAR doctrine), explain how cooperation with Seychelles aligns with maritime security, counter-piracy, HADR, and regional stability, and conclude with the significance of such partnerships for India's geopolitical standing.
Examine the significance of India's 'committed development partnership' with countries like Seychelles, particularly highlighting its multi-sectoral approach and its implications for India's soft power diplomacy.
Define India's development partnership model, elaborate on the sectors mentioned (infrastructure, defence, health, maritime security), discuss how this builds goodwill and influence (soft power), and its role in fostering bilateral ties and regional stability.