India, Seychelles to expand cooperation for maritime security in IOR

India and Seychelles today agreed to take forward their cooperation to tackle the spread of piracy in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

On the request of the Seychellois leadership, India also agreed to extend help for maritime and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance operations and capacity building of its forces.

The decisions were taken at the series of meetings that visiting Defence Minister A K Antony had with the President of Seychelles, Mr. James Alix Michel, Vice-President Danny Faure, Minister for Home Affairs Joel Morgan and Foreign Minister Jean Paul Adam in Mahe.

The Defence Minister is leading a high-level delegation to a visit of the island-nation, which includes Defence Secretary Pradeep Kumar and Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral D K Dewan.

Mr Antony said the problem of piracy in the Gulf of Aden affected all countries of the world. He shared the concerns of Seychelles on the increasing reach of the pirates.

"This is a problem which calls for cooperation among all countries. The Indian Ocean links us all and is critical for our economic interests. We must cooperate to ensure peace and stability in this region," he said.

Mr Antony reiterated India's assurance, as conveyed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during Mr Michel's visit to New Delhi earlier this year, for continued cooperation in all fields, particularly defence and security. Dr Singh had also announced a $ 5 million assistance for defence related projects for Seychelles.

Over and above this, on a specific request from the Seychelles, Mr Antony agreed to provide one new Dornier and two Chetak helicopters from the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for maritime surveillance, at the earliest.

Although the normal delivery time is 18 to 24 months, he said India would try to supply the aircraft in 15 months. During this period, India will provide one of her in-service Dornier aircraft to carry out maritime surveillance.

Agreeing to a request from the Seychellois side, Mr Antony said India would help them to carry out EEZ surveillance as frequently as possible. He said the Indian Navy would also make additional visits this year to conduct surveillance and hydrographic survey. During these visits, Seychellois personnel can embark on board the Indian Navy Ships for maintenance training and conduct drills and exercises.

Mr Antony also agreed to offer help for capacity building of the Seychellois Forces, an official press release added.

NNN