Agri-Research Boost: ICAR and Seychelles’ Agriculture Department signed an MoU to deepen agricultural research, education, capacity building and technology transfer, backed by a 2026–2031 work plan covering climate-smart farming, horticulture, post-harvest, livestock and food security. Tourism & Connectivity: Seychelles Tourism Minister Amanda Bernstein said the islands are monitoring geopolitical risks to protect air access and keep tourism resilient, with growing Russian visitor interest and cultural ties shaping services. Diplomatic Momentum: Angola co-chairs the 69th UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa meeting in Mahé (July 2–4), focusing on sustainable, inclusive tourism policy and recovery. India-Seychelles Digital Payments: India’s UPI rollout in Seychelles is set to expand digital payments infrastructure under an MoU signed during PM Modi’s visit, as India pushes broader cross-border financial connectivity. Tourism Pressure Point: Seychelles saw May visitor arrivals fall 3.4% year-on-year to 27,201, with stopover declines and cruise traffic hit hardest, raising concerns about demand vulnerability. Maritime Business Deal: Maritimo appointed KJM Marine as its exclusive dealer across the GCC and parts of the Middle East/Indian Ocean, including Seychelles, to expand long-range yacht sales and after-sales support. Governance Focus: After returning from Seychelles, PM Modi chaired a high-level meeting with central ministry secretaries on deregulation, ease of doing business and citizen-centric reforms.