Looking Inside Seychelles Beneficial Multi-Alignment Strategy amidst India-China competition

The article is designed to understand the political strategy of Seychelles. Seychelles situated in Western Indian Ocean has emerged as key player in the Indo-China competition. India and China are striving to exert influence over small island state, which hold strategic significance in the contested waters of the Indian Ocean. Seychelles has been adept at maintaining beneficial relationships with both India and China, despite its differing strategic interests. This article undertakes a detailed overview of Seychelles political strategy during India- China competition in the IOR. The first part of the paper devoted in understanding the importance of political strategy and its significance for Small States. This part also throws light on concept of ‘Benefit’ in International Relations and how Small States determines ‘Benefit’ in their foreign relations. The second section delves itself into describing the political strategy of Seychelles. The last part discusses about the Benefit that Seychelles yielded out of its multi-alignment policy. This article will be helpful in understanding small states behaviour during great power competition.