‘Modimacy’ in Indian Ocean: Cyprus, Seychelles and Indonesia

Satya Prakash, Sr Journalist, New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visits to Cyprus, Seychelles and Indonesia have not only enhanced India’s influence in the Indian Ocean region but also advanced several long-term interests and strengthened the national security landscape. The geographical locations of these three nations are significant not only from a strategic standpoint but also in terms of commercial ties. These visits reinforce India’s ‘Global South’ approach and position the country as a champion for smaller nations. During these visits, Modi advocated for small island nations on the global stage and called for collective global action against climate change based on the principles of equity and shared responsibility.

Narendra Modi’s visit to Cyprus has had a profound impact on global geopolitics, defense cooperation, and international trade corridors, while strengthening India’s strategic foothold in the Mediterranean region. The visit sent a strong message regarding the Turkey-Pakistan nexus. India openly supported Cyprus’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Modi visited the UN buffer zone in Nicosia, which separates the northern region illegally occupied by Turkey. This served as a direct diplomatic signal to Turkey. In response to Turkey’s growing military alliance with Pakistan, India has elevated its ties with Cyprus to a strategic partnership. Cyprus’s presidency of the Council of the European Union has provided India with an opportunity to strengthen its relations with the EU.

Cyprus has strongly supported the operationalization of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. Situated at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, Cyprus is emerging as a crucial maritime gateway for this corridor. Both nations have adopted a ‘zero-tolerance’ policy towards terrorism, leading to the establishment of a dedicated ‘Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism.’ Cyprus has also expressed interest in procuring military equipment from India’s indigenous defense industry, thereby bolstering India’s ambition to become a global defense exporter. The visit to Seychelles has played a game-changing role in strengthening India’s diplomatic foothold in the Indian Ocean region and balancing China’s growing influence. Taking place against the backdrop of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles and the latter’s National Day, this visit holds profound global and geopolitical implications.

Prime Minister Modi’s visit will play a pivotal role in countering Chinese influence and enhancing maritime security in the Indian Ocean. India has strengthened its presence in Seychelles situated along key maritime trade routes in the western Indian Ocean to counter China’s expanding infrastructure projects and debt-driven inroads. India has handed over fast patrol vessels, Laser Radial boats, and military vehicles to Seychelles, thereby bolstering the global credentials of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in the defense sector. India manages over 50% of Seychelles’ air and maritime security operations. The decision to redeploy four military advisors to Seychelles is a significant strategic move that elevates military cooperation between the two nations to new heights.

Building upon its earlier ‘SAGAR’ policy, Narendra Modi introduced the ‘MAHASAGAR’ vision, which issues a global call to transform the Indian Ocean into an “Ocean of Opportunity”—grounded in mutual respect, territorial integrity, and collective progress—rather than a zone of conflict. The commitment to induct Seychelles as a full member of the Colombo Security Conclave has paved the way for an integrated regional security mechanism to combat piracy, drug trafficking and international terrorism. An agreement has been reached to implement India’s UPI in Seychelles, opening up yet another international market for India’s fintech prowess. India has announced financial assistance packages for social housing, healthcare, space cooperation and renewable energy, establishing itself as a trusted development partner on the global stage. India is no longer merely a passive observer in global geopolitics. It is emerging as a leading global power that shapes the discourse on Indian Ocean security and addresses the concerns of the Global South.

During his visit to Indonesia, Prime Minister Modi has ushered in a new era regarding the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region, defense exports and the digital economy. This has had a profound impact on global geopolitics. A major agreement has been reached between India and Indonesia for the supply of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and ‘Astra’ air-to-air missiles. India’s supply of lethal weaponry to Indonesia, amidst China’s increasingly aggressive stance in the South China Sea, is altering global defense equations.

Expanding the scope of defense cooperation, both nations have pledged to strengthen maritime security, thereby ensuring the safety of global trade routes such as the Strait of Malacca. Indonesia is the world’s largest producer of nickel, through this partnership, India is reducing its global dependence on China for EV batteries and clean energy. Modi’s visit translates India’s ‘Act East’ policy and ‘SAGAR’ vision into concrete action. An agreement has also been reached to deploy an Indonesian liaison officer at India’s ‘Information Fusion Centre for Indian Ocean Region for real-time monitoring of maritime security.

This visit demonstrates that India and Indonesia, ASEAN’s largest economy,  have emerged together as a strong voice for the ‘Global South’ through dialogue and diplomacy amidst this period of global turbulence.