NEW DELHI: An Indian Army marching contingent will participate in Seychelles’ 50th National Day celebrations on Monday, marking the Golden Jubilee of the island nation’s Independence, in a symbolic display of the growing strategic and defence partnership between the two countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the celebrations in Victoria as the Guest of Honour during his two-day State Visit.The Indian contingent, comprising 32 personnel from the Assam Regiment and led by Captain Aryan H. Deolekar, will march alongside an Indian Navy contingent and military band during the ceremonial parade.The participation comes a day after PM Modi handed over a made-in-India Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) PS LESPWAR, six ambulances, 10 utility vehicles and five laser radial boats to Seychelles to strengthen its maritime surveillance and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) patrol capabilities.
The Fast Patrol Vessel, built by Goa Shipyard Limited, was handed over to Seychelles President Patrick Herminie during a ceremony at the Seychelles Coast Guard Base in Victoria.According to the ministry of external affairs (MEA), the vessel will strengthen Seychelles’ maritime surveillance and EEZ patrol capabilities.“Together as partners. Stronger as one. In a special gesture, PM Narendra Modi handed over the ‘Made in India’ Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) PS LESPWAR to President Dr. Patrick Herminie. The FPV will contribute to strengthening Seychelles’ maritime surveillance and EEZ patrol capabilities,” the MEA said in a post on X.The ministry added that the ambulances, utility vehicles and laser radial boats would further contribute to the island nation’s development and security.
“PM also handed over six ambulances, 10 utility vehicles and five laser radial boats, which will further contribute to the development and security of Seychelles. Guided by India’s Vision MAHASAGAR, India and Seychelles continue to strengthen their robust defence partnership, contributing to security and stability in the Indian Ocean region,” the MEA said.
Why Indian troops are participating
The ministry of defence said the participation of Indian Armed Forces contingents in national celebrations of friendly countries reflects mutual trust, military camaraderie and India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral defence ties.
“Participation of Indian Armed Forces contingents in national celebrations of friendly foreign countries serves as a symbol of mutual trust, military camaraderie and shared commitment towards strengthening bilateral relations. Such engagements reinforce defence cooperation and underscore India’s role as a reliable partner in promoting peace, stability and security in the Indian Ocean Region,” the ministry said.Indian military contingents have previously taken part in several international ceremonial events, including the Bastille Day Parade in France in 2023, Bangladesh’s Victory Day Parade in 2021, and Russia’s Victory Day Parades in 2015 and 2020.
Growing India-Seychelles strategic partnership
India and Seychelles have steadily expanded cooperation across defence, maritime security, development, trade and culture over the years.The latest defence assistance aligns with India’s Vision MAHASAGAR, which focuses on enhancing maritime security, capacity building and regional stability across the Indian Ocean.During his arrival in Victoria on Saturday, PM Modi received a ceremonial Guard of Honour alongside President Patrick Herminie and witnessed cultural performances, including a traditional Seychellois moutya dance and a Gujarati folk dance performed by members of the Indian diaspora with roots in Kutch.Modi’s visit marks his second State Visit to Seychelles and follows President Herminie’s visit to India earlier this year. The Prime Minister’s participation in the Golden Jubilee celebrations and the presence of Indian military contingents underscore the deepening defence and strategic partnership between New Delhi and Victoria.
