Victoria, June 29 (IANS) Indian contingent, comprising personnel from the Indian Army’s Assam Regiment, the Indian Navy and an Indian Navy Marching Band, participated in the National Day celebrations of Seychelles, reflecting the longstanding defence partnership between the two countries.
The National Day celebrations of Seychelles were held on Sunday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the event as the Guest of Honour during his State visit to the archipelagic island.
Taking to X, PM Modi said, “Contingents from the Assam Regiment and the Indian Navy took part in the National Day celebrations of Seychelles yesterday. It was yet another reflection of the enduring friendship between India and Seychelles.”
The Prime Minister stood in honour as the marching contingents passed the ceremonial dais.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), as part of the celebrations and in keeping with established tradition, Indian Naval Ships Tarkash and Ikshak docked at Port Victoria on June 26.
INS Tarkash, a frontline warship of the Indian Navy, is currently on an ongoing operational deployment to the South-West Indian Ocean.
Meanwhile, INS Ikshak is the Indian Navy’s indigenously designed and constructed Survey Vessel. The ship will also engage with the Seychelles Defence Forces to undertake community outreach activities.
“The deployment reaffirms India’s commitment to maritime cooperation and regional security in line with the vision of MAHASAGAR,” the Indian Navy said in a statement.
Prime Minister Modi has that the National Day celebrations of Seychelles honour the remarkable journey of the Seychellois people over the past fifty years and also reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting the East African nation in its development journey.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Honoured to participate in the National Day celebrations of Seychelles, marking the Golden Jubilee of the nation’s Independence. The occasion was a fitting tribute to the remarkable journey of the Seychellois people over the past fifty years.”
“India is proud to stand alongside Seychelles as a trusted friend and partner in its development journey. Our partnership continues to grow stronger with shared values and closer people-to-people ties. I am confident our friendship will grow even further in the times to come,” he added.
The Seychelles’ soldiers parachuted into the venue from aircraft carrying their national flags, as people cheered enthusiastically, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the nation’s independence.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, and Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, were also present at the event.
PM Modi arrived in Seychelles on Saturday at the invitation of the President of Seychelles, Patrick Herminie. On Sunday, he was conferred the ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’, Seychelles’ highest distinction for leadership in environmental conservation and sustainable development.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India and Seychelles share a longstanding partnership rooted in shared historical, cultural and people-to-people ties.
As a key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean region, Seychelles holds a special place in India’s Vision ‘MAHASAGAR’ (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and our commitment to the Global South.
“The visit will reaffirm the strong and enduring friendship between India and Seychelles and reinforce the shared commitment of both countries to enhance the bilateral relationship across all sectors,” the MEA said.
–IANS
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