AMN / NEW DELHI
India External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today handed over the second Dornier aircraft to the Seychelles President Danny Antoine Rollen Faure here. Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday handed over the replica of aircraft to visiting President at Hyderabad House.
On the occasion, Ms Swaraj said she is sure that this aircraft will give a quantum enhancement in maritime reconnaissance and contribute towards keeping the vast EEZ of Seychelles free from maritime threats.
She said to enhance the surveillance capability of Seychelles to tackle maritime threats, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the gifting of a second Dornier aircraft during his landmark visit to Seychelles in 2015.
The Minister said as maritime neighbours, both countries are committed to securing oceanic space for sustained development. She said securing our seas will ultimately lead to creating a peaceful environment for the progress and prosperity of two countries and peoples.
Ms Swaraj said it forms part of our SAGAR vision articulated by the Prime Minister an acronym that denotes Security and Growth for All in the Region.
She said India and Seychelles have always been strong security partners and India remains committed to support Seychelles through capacity building, especially in the field of maritime security.
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President of Seychelles Mr Faure said it is a historical day and proud moment for Seychelles. He said Seychelles will always be a faithful friend and partner to India. Mr Faure said long live both countries healthy relations.
On Monday the top leaders of India and Seychelles have agreed to strengthen defense cooperation. Seychelles President Danny Faure and Prime Minister Narendra Modi met in here and held extensive talks.
At a news conference after the summit, the leaders revealed they agreed to enhance defense cooperation between their navies and coast guards.
Modi said the countries respect the core values of democracy and are engaging in efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Indian Ocean.
He revealed that India will provide 100 million dollars to Seychelles to support its defense sector.
Modi also touched on a planned project to build a naval base in Seychelles, an island nation in the Indian Ocean.
He said the countries agreed to work together on the project with each country’s rights in mind.
In response, President Faure said he’d like to further strengthen their strategic partnerships.
India’s efforts to set up its first overseas military base come amid China’s increased maritime activities in the region.
Last year, China set up its military base in the eastern African country of Djibouti.
But India’s military base project faced opposition from people in Seychelles.
India apparently plans to go ahead with the project while providing economic assistance to the country.