Victoria, Seychelles - Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the first day of his official State Visit to Seychelles by presenting the island nation with a domestically built Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV), the PS LESPWAR, along with a fleet of ambulances, utility vehicles, and rescue boats aimed at boosting the country's maritime security and emergency response capacity.
The handover ceremony took place at the Seychelles Coast Guard Base in Victoria, with President Dr. Patrick Herminie present to receive the gifts on behalf of his nation. Alongside the patrol vessel, India handed over six ambulances, ten utility vehicles, and five laser radial boats to support Seychelles' development and security needs.
Built at Goa Shipyard, Designed for the Indian Ocean
The patrol vessel was built at Goa Shipyard Limited, and officials say it will give Seychelles a stronger hand in guarding its coastline. The MEA noted that the FPV will contribute to strengthening Seychelles' maritime surveillance and EEZ patrol capabilities a critical need for a nation whose exclusive economic zone spans a vast stretch of ocean far larger than its landmass.
The Ministry of External Affairs framed the gesture as part of a larger strategic push. India's ministry linked the handover to Vision MAHASAGAR, describing it as part of continued efforts by India and Seychelles to strengthen their defence partnership and contribute to stability across the Indian Ocean region.
A Visit Timed to Seychelles' Golden Jubilee
Modi's trip carries symbolic weight. He arrived in Victoria to serve as Guest of Honour at the Golden Jubilee celebrations marking 50 years of Seychelles' National Day, and the visit represents his second State Visit to the island nation. It follows President Herminie's own bilateral visit to India earlier this year, signalling a steady rhythm of high-level exchanges between the two countries.
The ceremonial elements of the visit leaned heavily on cultural diplomacy. After the national anthems of both countries were played, Modi and Herminie inspected a Guard of Honour and received a military salute, and the Prime Minister took in a traditional Seychellois moutya dance performance. This was followed by a Nrutya folk performance from Kutch, Gujarat, staged by an 18-member group from the local Indian diaspora to welcome the visiting leader.
Beyond the Handover: Tortoises and Tree-Planting
Modi's itinerary also included softer diplomatic notes. He visited the Botanical Gardens for a tree-planting ceremony, putting a Coco de Mer sapling in the ground as part of the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" initiative reflecting shared sustainability goals. He also stopped by the Giant Tortoise enclosure, referencing the historical gift of two Aldabra giant tortoises sent to Kolkata's Alipore Zoo back in 2014 as a symbol of the two nations' longstanding bond. He later met members of the Indian diaspora, describing their community as a long-standing bridge between the two nations.
Why It Matters
Seychelles' President has called India one of the country's closest and most valued development partners, pointing to Indian support across infrastructure, healthcare, and education over the years. The latest handover adds a hard-security dimension to that relationship giving the small island state tangible tools to police its waters at a time when major powers are competing for influence across the Indian Ocean
