India hands over patrol boat to boost Seychelles’ maritime security

India on Thursday formally handed over a patrol vessel to Seychelles, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying the Indian Ocean archipelago is central to New Delhi’s vision for security and development in the region. He said, Seychelles was the First African country to receive the Made in India COVID-19 vaccines. Inaugurating a range of Indian projects with President of Seychelles Wavel Ramkalawan at a high level virtual event, Modi said, during times of need, India was able to supply essential medicines and 50 thousand doses of Made in India vaccines to Seychelles. 

The Prime Minister said, India is happy to have contributed towards the construction of the new Magistrates’ Court Building in Seychelles. He said, the state-of-the-art building has been completed even during these testing times of Covid-19 pandemic. Modi said, India is committed to strengthening the maritime security of Seychelles. India has handed over a One Mega Watt solar power plant in the Seychelles built with India’s assistance. Modi said, Wavel Ramkalawan is a son of India with his roots in Gopalganj, Bihar. 

In his address, President of Seychelles Wavel Ramkalawan said, India is a reliable and trusted partner. He said, India never failed us.The virtual event also saw the handing over of 10 High Impact Community Development Projects, HICDPs implemented by the High Commission of India in collaboration with local bodies, educational and vocational institutions.The inauguration of the key projects demonstrates India’s privileged and time-tested role as a reliable partner of Seychelles for meeting its infrastructural, developmental and security requirements.