Seychelles Marks 50 Years of Independence as Russia Extends Message of Friendship and Prosperity

Kathmandu. The Republic of Seychelles celebrated its Independence Day on June 29, marking 50 years since the island nation freed itself from British colonial rule. Seychelles gained independence from Britain on June 29, 1976.

Located in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles has a long colonial history that began under French control. French settlement on the islands started in the 18th century. Following the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, Seychelles came under British control through the Treaty of Paris of 1814.

During the colonial period, the economy of Seychelles depended largely on plantations, agriculture, coconut production, cotton, sugarcane and maritime activity. However, the colonial structure weakened local workers and limited their economic opportunities. After the First World War and during the global economic crisis, plantation workers in Seychelles faced harsh working conditions, heavy taxation and little chance of improving their social position.

Political consciousness in Seychelles began to grow rapidly in the 1960s. In 1964, the Seychelles People’s United Party and the Seychelles Democratic Party were formed. The Seychelles People’s United Party raised the demand for independence from Britain, turning the issue of freedom into a central political question for the island nation.

Fifty years after independence, Seychelles has emerged as a small but significant island state with one of the highest income levels in Africa. The country, made up of 115 islands, has an economy mainly driven by tourism and fisheries. It is widely recognised as one of Africa’s leading countries in terms of per capita income.

Russia congratulated Seychelles on the occasion of its Independence Day and recalled the historically friendly relations between the two countries. Diplomatic relations between the Soviet Union and the Republic of Seychelles were established on June 30, 1976, just one day after Seychelles proclaimed its independence. In 2026, the two countries are also marking 50 years of diplomatic relations.

According to the Office of the President of Seychelles, President Dr Patrick Herminie invited a Russian military contingent to participate in the Independence Day military parade on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Seychelles’ independence and the 50th anniversary of Russia Seychelles diplomatic relations.

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on June 25 that Russia and Seychelles are committed to expanding constructive political dialogue, interparliamentary and interagency exchanges, as well as deepening cooperation in trade, the economy, finance, investment, energy, transport, agriculture, tourism, healthcare, education, culture and sport.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the two states are united by their commitment to the formation of a multipolar world, respect for the fundamental universally recognised principles and norms of international law, and recognition of the central role of the United Nations in world affairs.

Russia extended warm congratulations to the people and leadership of Seychelles on their national holiday, wishing them success, well-being and prosperity. The 50th anniversary of independence is not only a moment to remember Seychelles’ colonial past, but also a historic occasion to advance sovereignty, development and international partnership into a new stage.