Victoria (Seychelles)/New Delhi, 27June (HS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Seychelles President Dr. Patrick Herminie on Saturday jointly participated in the handing-over ceremony of the Fast Patrol Vessel Lespwar, along with ambulances and utility vehicles for the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF), at the Seychelles Coast Guard Base, reaffirming the strong defence and maritime partnership between the two countries.

The ceremony formed part of Prime Minister Modi's three-day State Visit to Seychelles and highlighted India's continued commitment to supporting the island nation's security, disaster response, and capacity-building efforts.

The Fast Patrol Vessel has been provided to strengthen Seychelles' maritime surveillance and coastal security capabilities. As an island nation with a vast Exclusive Economic Zone in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles relies heavily on maritime assets to combat illegal fishing, piracy, smuggling, and other transnational maritime threats.

The ambulances and utility vehicles handed over during the ceremony are expected to enhance the operational readiness of the Seychelles Defence Forces and improve emergency response and logistical support across the country.

India has remained one of Seychelles' closest development and security partners for several decades. The two countries have expanded cooperation in maritime security, defence training, hydrography, infrastructure development, healthcare, renewable energy, and capacity building. India has also supplied patrol vessels, aircraft, and other defence equipment to Seychelles while assisting in strengthening its maritime surveillance capabilities.

Prime Minister Modi's ongoing visit is focused on deepening bilateral ties in line with India's Vision MAHASAGAR and its broader commitment to promoting security, stability, and sustainable development across the Indian Ocean Region. During the visit, the two leaders are also expected to hold wide-ranging discussions on defence cooperation, maritime security, climate resilience, development partnership, and regional connectivity.

The Prime Minister is visiting Seychelles from June 27 to 29 as the Chief Guest at the country's National Day Golden Jubilee celebrations, marking 50 years of its National Day and coinciding with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar