In a demonstration of India’s commitment to its ties with Seychelles and to promote maritime security in the Indian Ocean region, Indian naval ship Shardul was at Port Victoria on a threeday visit. INS Shardul, an amphibious ship of the Indian Navy, is currently on a month-long deployment in the Southern Indian Ocean in keeping with the vision of SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region. Accordingly, the Indian Navy will be progressing maritime security cooperation with Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG) towards ensuring a secure and stable regional maritime environment for unhindered economic development in the region.

INS Shardul’s visit was part of its mission to carry out surveillance in the Seychelles EEZ with SCG personnel embarked onboard. During the deployment, INS Shardul would also assist local authorities in providing logistics and medical support to the outer islands of Seychelles. Calls on senior government and military authorities, training and technical cooperation measures with SCG, sporting and cultural interactions, aimed at strengthening ties and mutual understanding between the two forces are also planned.