Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed over a made-in-India patrol vessel to the Seychelles Coast Guard on Thursday, underscoring the deepening defense and maritime ties between the two nations. The vessel, named PS Zoroaster, was built by India's state-owned shipbuilder Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) and is part of India's commitment to enhancing the capabilities of friendly countries in the Indian Ocean region.
Details of the vessel and ceremony
The PS Zoroaster is a 50-meter offshore patrol vessel designed for a variety of missions, including anti-piracy, search and rescue, and maritime surveillance. It has a displacement of 650 tons and a top speed of 22 knots. The handover ceremony took place in the presence of Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan and other dignitaries. PM Modi emphasized that the vessel symbolizes India's commitment to being a net security provider in the Indian Ocean.
Strengthening bilateral ties
India and Seychelles have a longstanding partnership in maritime security. The vessel is part of a larger Indian assistance program that includes the supply of patrol boats, surveillance aircraft, and training for Seychellois personnel. PM Modi stated, "This patrol vessel will enhance Seychelles' capacity to safeguard its maritime borders and combat illegal activities. It is a testament to our shared vision for a safe and secure Indian Ocean." President Ramkalawan thanked India for its consistent support, noting that the vessel would play a crucial role in protecting Seychelles' exclusive economic zone.
Impact on regional security
The transfer of PS Zoroaster comes at a time when the Indian Ocean region faces challenges such as piracy, illegal fishing, and drug trafficking. According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, India has committed over $10 million in defense assistance to Seychelles in the past five years. This vessel is expected to significantly boost Seychelles' maritime patrol capabilities, covering an area of over 1.3 million square kilometers of ocean. Analysts view the move as part of India's broader strategy to counter Chinese influence in the region, as China has also been increasing its presence in the Indian Ocean through infrastructure projects and naval visits.
Broader context of India's maritime outreach
India has been actively strengthening its maritime partnerships with island nations in the Indian Ocean, including Mauritius, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. The government has provided defense equipment, conducted joint exercises, and offered training programs. In 2023, India gifted a patrol vessel to Mauritius and has announced plans to build a naval base in Seychelles. These initiatives align with India's SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine, which emphasizes cooperative measures for sustainable development and security.
