NEW DELHI: In a strategic reset after PM Modi’s visit to Seychelles, India will once again depute four military advisers to the east African island country, reviving an arrangement that was discontinued, reports Surendra Singh. The advisers will work with Seychelles’ defence and security officials to strengthen operational coordination, training, planning and institutional capacity. The PM’s visit helped India deeply integrate into Seychelles’ security and capacity-building apparatus through multiple mechanisms. India powers over 50% of Seychelles’ maritime and air assets. “With the handover of a made-in-India fast patrol vessel, laser radial boats along with other utility vehicles… India’s role as Seychelles’ most-trusted security partner has grown even stronger,” an official source said.PM Narendra Modi Monday on X spoke of “gifting a fast patrol vessel to govt of Seychelles, strengthening maritime security cooperation, enhancing India’s role as a net security provider in the IOR and promoting Indian defence manufacturing capabilities”. The PM’s four-day visit has not only strengthened defence cooperation with Seychelles but also expanded India’s presence in the Indian Ocean Region as a net security provider. Seychelles is vital to India’s Vision Mahasagar as it secures sea lines of communication in the western Indian Ocean, counters expanding geopolitical competition, and anchors maritime domain awareness against piracy and illegal fishing. During Seychelles’ 50th Independence Day celebrations, personnel from the Assam Regiment and a naval band joined the grand parade and two Indian Navy ships — stealth frigate INS Tarkash and survey vessel INS Ikshak — participated in the event. As they marched, the Army contingent performed the Assam regiment’s regimental song, ‘Badlu Ram Ka Badan’. Posting the images of the contingents on X, Prime Minister Modi said, “Honoured to participate in the National Day celebrations of Seychelles, marking the Golden Jubilee of the nation’s Independence. India is proud to stand alongside Seychelles as a trusted friend and partner in its development journey.”
