India Hands Over Patrol Vessel to Seychelles to Boost Maritime Security

India has strengthened its maritime security cooperation with Seychelles by handing over a fast patrol vessel and other essential equipment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented the patrol vessel, named "Lespwar" (meaning "hope" in Creole), to Seychelles President Patrick Herminie during a ceremony on Saturday.

The handover, which also included ten utility vehicles, five laser radial boats, and six ambulances, is intended to enhance Seychelles' maritime security and defense capabilities. Modi emphasized that this initiative is another important milestone in the growing partnership between India and Seychelles in defense and maritime security. He assured Seychelles of India's steadfast commitment to supporting its security priorities.

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It is also the latest in a series of capability building initiatives that reflect India’s steadfast commitment to supporting the security priorities of Seychelles.

"India will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Seychelles as a trusted partner, working together to deepen friendship and strengthen our collective maritime capabilities," Modi stated on social media. Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands strategically located near the Mozambique Channel, has limited surveillance capabilities. It relies on India for assistance in countering threats such as piracy, drug trafficking, and illegal fishing in the western Indian Ocean.

This latest contribution follows previous support from India, which has included providing patrol boats, an interceptor boat, another patrol vessel, and maritime surveillance aircraft. India also previously gifted and installed six coastal surveillance radar systems in 2015. The two nations also conduct regular joint military exercises, with the latest edition of the "Lamitye" exercise taking place in March.

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India will stand “shoulder-to-shoulder with Seychelles as a trusted partner”, working together to deepen friendship and “strengthen our collective maritime capabilities”.