India Strengthens Support to Seychelles Amid Regional Crisis
India has handed over a consignment of 500 metric tonnes of rice and 8,500 metric tonnes of cement to Seychelles to reinforce the island nation's food security and infrastructure amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The announcement was made by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during a special press briefing on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Seychelles.
"In addition to the fast patrol craft and the utility vehicles that were handed over, the Prime Minister also handed over a consignment of 500 metric tons of rice to strengthen the food security of Seychelles and 8,500 metric tonnes of cement to address the infrastructure sector challenges that Seychelles is facing on account of the crisis in West Asia," Misri stated.
Health Sector Cooperation Enhanced
As part of ongoing health sector collaboration, the first tranche of six ambulances was handed over to strengthen public health care and emergency medicine services in Seychelles. "Two paramedics from India have also arrived in Seychelles to train the technicians here and integrate them seamlessly into the healthcare system of Seychelles," Misri added.
Virtual Groundbreaking for Education Centre
Prime Minister Modi and Seychelles President Patrick Herminie performed a virtual groundbreaking ceremony for the Seychelles Professional and Technical Education Centre. The centre is being constructed under a special economic package announced earlier this year. "This will further contribute to the efforts already underway in the human resource development sector between the two countries," Misri noted. He also informed that Seychelles has joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilience Infrastructure, underscoring its commitment to strengthening disaster resilience cooperation.
Golden Jubilee Celebrations Mark 50 Years of Bilateral Ties
As India and Seychelles mark the 50th anniversary of their bilateral relations, a special logo symbolising the enduring partnership was launched by PM Modi and President Herminie. Misri announced that an Assam Rifles contingent and an Indian Navy marching band will participate in Seychelles' golden jubilee celebrations. "A contingent from the Assam Rifles in India and an Indian Navy marching band will participate in these celebrations," he said. Two Indian naval ships, INS Tarkash and INS Ikshak, will also dock at Port Victoria for the occasion.
Defence Cooperation: Fast Patrol Vessel and Utility Vehicles
During earlier engagements, PM Modi gifted a fast-patrol vessel named LESPWAR (meaning 'hope' in Creole) to the Seychelles Defence Forces. Additionally, 10 utility vehicles and five laser radial boats were handed over to enhance their capabilities. Prime Minister Modi is on a three-day State Visit to Seychelles from June 27 to June 29 at the invitation of President Herminie. He is also scheduled to attend Seychelles' Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour, marking 50 years of the country's independence from the United Kingdom in 1976.
