Shared responsibility must for Indian Ocean, says Modi, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Seychelles, emphasizing shared responsibility for Indian Ocean security, sustainability, and prosperity.
• India and Seychelles unveiled 19 outcomes, expanding cooperation across defence, maritime security, digital payments, and other sectors.
• India gifted a fast patrol vessel, utility vehicles, and Laser Radial class boats to the Seychelles Defence Force.
• PM Modi was conferred with the 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' award by President Patrick Herminie for his green leadership.
• Discussions focused on making the Indian Ocean an "ocean of opportunity" and addressing climate change impacts on island nations.

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Detailed Insights:

• The visit aimed to strengthen the economic partnership, focusing on industries, connectivity, technology, and digital infrastructure.
• Cooperation included the refit of PS Zoroaster for the Seychelles Coast Guard and upgrading a Dornier aircraft.
• PM Modi highlighted that the Global South, especially island nations, are most impacted by climate change.
• He advocated for climate action guided by fairness, responsibility, and equity, asserting that those who contributed least should not bear the greatest burden.
• Key agreements included an extradition treaty and cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.
• An agreement was made to advance UPI-based digital payments in Seychelles, enhancing financial connectivity.
• An umbrella line of credit agreement was signed with the Export-Import Bank of India for various projects.
• Preliminary preparations for a new Seychelles National Hospital were also agreed upon.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Global South: Refers to countries often characterized by lower income, high population density, and historical colonial exploitation.
• Blue Economy: Sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ocean ecosystem health.
• Extradition Treaty: A bilateral agreement between states for the surrender of persons accused or convicted of crimes.
• UPI (Unified Payments Interface): An instant real-time payment system developed by the National Payments Corporation of India.