1. Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron, INS (Indian Naval Ship) Tir is currently on a six-day visit to Seychelles from February 24 to 29, 2024 to participate in Exercise Cutlass Express and to undertake Joint EEZ Patrol with Seychelles Defence Forces. As a significant part of this visit, INS Tir is also carrying onboard critical machinery and defence gear for Seychelles Defence Forces which will enhance the technical capacity of the Seychelles Coast Guard and the Seychelles Air Force.

2. The consignment of spares was handed over to Lieutenant Colonel David Arrisol, Commander of the Seychelles Coast Guard and Lt Colonel Rodney Zarine, Commander, Seychelles Air Force by Captain Anshul Kishore, Commanding Officer of INS Tir, in the presence of H.E. Mr Kartik Pande, High Commissioner of India to Seychelles, Brigadier Michael Rosette, Chief of Defence Forces, Seychelles Defence Forces and other senior Officers of the Seychelles Coast Guard and INS Tir. The list of gifted items include 29 spares for the Seychelles Coast Guard, 02 Serviced Dornier Engines and 04 Life rafts for Seychelles Air Force.

3. India and Seychelles enjoy warm and friendly ties including robust defence cooperation. Provision of these materials and defence gear will enhance the operational capabilities of the SDF as well as bolster the defence ties be-tween the two nations.

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28 February 2024