NEW DELHI: Foreign secretary Vikram Misri on Sunday said that an Assam Rifles contingent and an Indian Navy marching band would participate in Seychelles’ 50th Independence Day celebrations.While addressing a press briefing in Victoria, Misri said, “Later today, the Prime Minister will attend the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the independence of Seychelles as the guest of honour. A contingent from the Assam Rifles and an Indian Navy marching band will also participate in these celebrations.””On this occasion, two Indian naval ships, INS Tarkash and INS Ikshak, will also be docked at Port Victoria to mark this very special occasion,” he said.He informed that the participation of such units has been a tradition between the two countries.Misri also informed that, at a special function on Saturday, PM Modi gifted a fast patrol vessel named LESPWAR, which means “hope” in Creole, to the Seychelles Defence Forces.”In addition to this fast patrol vessel, 10 utility vehicles and five laser radial boats were also handed over to the Seychelles Defence Forces to enhance their capabilities,” he informed. Earlier in the day, PM Modi, who is on a state visit to the island nation, said in his address to an Extraordinary Session of the 8th National Assembly of Seychelles that the region’s security was “indivisible.””As maritime neighbours, we recognise that the security of one adds to the security of the other. The prosperity of one contributes to the prosperity of the other. The stability of the region benefits us all,” PM Modi asserted.”Our cooperation in maritime security and capacity building reflects our shared commitment to a safer and more secure Indian Ocean Region,” he said.He further highlighted a powerful historical parallel regarding India’s steadfast support for Seychelles’ sovereignty.”Fifty years ago, at the dawn of your independence, the Indian naval ship INS Nilgiri was present in Port Victoria as a mark of friendship and solidarity. Today, as you celebrate your Golden Jubilee, INS Ikshak and INS Tarkash are docked at Port Victoria,” PM Modi said, noting that while five decades have passed, India’s commitment remains unchanged.PM Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the National Assembly. In his address, he highlighted the historical bonds of friendship between India and Seychelles and underscored the shared values of democracy, the rule of law, and people-centric governance that guide the two countries. He noted that mutual trust and close cooperation have shaped a robust partnership spanning development cooperation, maritime security, technology, innovation, health, and capacity building. The Prime Minister also called for enhanced parliamentary exchanges between the two democracies.
