New Delhi: In a demonstration of India’s commitment to its ties with Seychelles and maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region, Indian Naval Ships Kolkata, Trikand and Aditya under the Command of the Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet, Rear Admiral Ravneet Singh,NM have arrived at Port Victoria on a two day visit. INS Kolkata is commanded by Captain Rahul Vilas Gokhale, INS Trikand is commanded by Captain Arjun Dev Nair and INS Aditya is commanded by Captain Vidyanshu Srivastava. The ships are part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet based at Mumbai under the Western Naval Command and are on a two month long deployment in the Western Indian Ocean.
During the visit, the IN ships would engage with the Seychelles People Defence Force on professional issues. In addition, calls on senior Government and military authorities, training and technical cooperation measures with Seychelles Coast Guard, sporting and cultural interactions, aimed at strengthening ties and mutual understanding between the two forces, are also planned.
The deployment adds another chapter to the strong defence and maritime cooperation between India and Seychelles. The Indian Navy regularly undertakes surveillance missions in the Seychelles EEZ, by deploying IN ships and aircraft, based on request by the Government of Seychelles. The last such deployment was by Indian Naval Ship Trikand in July 2016.
India has a strong and longstanding relationship with Seychelles. Defence cooperation including training and cooperation in hydrography as well as Maritime Domain Awareness is a significant component of the bilateral relationship. The current visit seeks to strengthen the strong bonds of friendship between India and Seychelles and contribute to security and stability in the Indian Ocean Region.
