THE FIRST SEYCHELLOIS WOMAN HIGH COMMISSIONER TO THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA

In a conversation with Kanchi BATRA, Managing Editor, The Diplomatist, the High Commissioner of Seychelles, H.E. Ms. Lalatiana Accouche speaks on the existing relations between Seychelles and India and discusses the areas where the two countries can mutually work in partnership.

WHAT ARE THE PRIORITIES OF YOUR TENURE AS HIGH COMMISSIONER OF SEYCHELLES IN INDIA?

First of all, it is a great privilege for me to be the first Seychellois woman to be given the honour to hold this position since the establishment of Diplomatic relations between Seychelles and India in 1976.

Assuming office in this significant year when India is holding the G20 Presidency and celebrating its 75th anniversary of Independence is simply an exciting and memorable moment. And not to forget India, the most populous democracy in the world, very rich in culture and heritage.

Thus being here in India for the first time is proving to be such an incredible experience and history for me, and especially after receiving direct compliments from the President of the Republic of India, Honourable Smt Droupadi Murmu, during my tête-à-tête with her as part of the accreditation process. Then on her Twitter account, President Murmu marked it as "a special occasion".

All these in mind and knowing that the primary objective of being a High Commissioner or Ambassador is to chaperone the relationship between the two countries so that it becomes even deeper, I am eager to explore how to continue expanding the already excellent and fruitful relations between Seychelles and India.

It is a deep relationship between a big country and a small island sharing the Indian Ocean and historical links. Thus no efforts should be spared to take the relations to a higher level and to strengthen people-to-people connectivity.

So, as the High Commissioner of Seychelles to India, the priority would be reinforcing the bilateral relationship between the two countries, chiefly in the sectors of economic cooperation, trade, youth, cultural exchange, and environment as well as in areas such as healthcare, SME, education and capacity building which are significant for our growth and development.