THE FIRST SEYCHELLOIS WOMAN HIGH COMMISSIONER TO THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist|May 2023
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.
THE FIRST SEYCHELLOIS WOMAN HIGH COMMISSIONER TO THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA

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.

Denne historien er fra May 2023-utgaven av Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra May 2023-utgaven av Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY DIPLOMATISTSe alt
CONNECTIVITY CORRIDORS: India's Gateway to South and Central Asia
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist

CONNECTIVITY CORRIDORS: India's Gateway to South and Central Asia

India holds a geostrategic position on the Indian subcontinent. Its location is more significant given the sharing borders with all the South Asia neighbouring and Central Asia making it an extended neighbourhood region. However, connectivity has not remained in the regional integration framework of the South and Central Asian regions. No matter how hard the regional leadership had worked on this, the optimal result has not been reached yet given the various geopolitical and geostrategic dynamics.

time-read
5 mins  |
January 2025
Poland's EU Presidency in 2025: Priorities and Challenges for Europe
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist

Poland's EU Presidency in 2025: Priorities and Challenges for Europe

Poland's presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2025 is at a critical convergence, where composite geopolitical and economic dynamics complications intersect to shape Europe's future path (Saussay, 2024).

time-read
5 mins  |
January 2025
Climate Diplomacy in 2025: A Focus on India's Leadership in COP30
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist

Climate Diplomacy in 2025: A Focus on India's Leadership in COP30

The UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 30) convenes in November 2025 in the Brazilian city of Belém, the closest major city to the mouth of the Amazon.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 2025
Technology Diplomacy in 2025: India's Role in Regulating AI and Data Governance
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist

Technology Diplomacy in 2025: India's Role in Regulating AI and Data Governance

In multiple bustling cities in India, teams of young techies are crafting algorithms that power rural diagnostics. Meanwhile, India's voice echoes in global forums as it negotiates the rules of Al ethics.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 2025
Open Innovation, AI Water-Tech and Digital Twin: An Inconspicuous Emerging Phenomenon
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist

Open Innovation, AI Water-Tech and Digital Twin: An Inconspicuous Emerging Phenomenon

Digital twin technology, a virtual replica of a physical system, is revolutionising the water sector. By creating detailed digital models of water infrastructure, such as pipelines, reservoirs, and treatment plants, water utilities can simulate various scenarios, optimise operations, and predict potential issues. Open innovation in this context involves collaboration between diverse stakeholders, including utilities, technology providers, researchers, and communities, to develop and share innovative solutions. By fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing, open innovation can accelerate the development and deployment of digital twin solutions, leading to more efficient, resilient, and sustainable water management.

time-read
7 mins  |
January 2025
G20 Summit in Brazil 5 Key Takeaways as World Leaders Met in Rio
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist

G20 Summit in Brazil 5 Key Takeaways as World Leaders Met in Rio

Introduction - The 19th G20 Summit was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with the G20 Leaders' Summit taking place on November 18-19, 2024 under the theme 'Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet'i. It was Brazil's first time hosting a G20 gathering.

time-read
5 mins  |
January 2025
Russia's Growing Engagement in Southeast Asia
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist

Russia's Growing Engagement in Southeast Asia

Geopolitical Ambitions and Strategic Implications

time-read
7 mins  |
January 2025
CLIMATE DIPLOMACY IN 2025: A focus on India's leadership in COP 30
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist

CLIMATE DIPLOMACY IN 2025: A focus on India's leadership in COP 30

A focus on India's leadership in COP 30

time-read
5 mins  |
January 2025
Neighbourhood First Redefining India-Sri Lanka Relations
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist

Neighbourhood First Redefining India-Sri Lanka Relations

Introduction - Despite leading the traditionally pro-Chinese Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) party, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake chose India for his first overseas visit since taking office, reaffirming India's strong commitment to its “Neighbourhood First” policy.

time-read
5 mins  |
January 2025
India's Multilateral Diplomacy Key Engagements at the UN, G20, and BRICS in 2024
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist

India's Multilateral Diplomacy Key Engagements at the UN, G20, and BRICS in 2024

Introduction - The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict have underscored a shift in global dynamics, with a growing emphasis on bilateral ties and regional alignments. India's diplomatic stance during the pivotal conflicts has been to consistently voice the concerns of the developing nations and champion fair and just treatment for all.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 2025