PM Modi Envisions Indian Ocean as an ‘Ocean of Opportunity’; Hands Over Fast Patrol Vessel to Seychelles

Following delegation-level talks with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie on Sunday, Prime Minister Modi said India envisions an Indian Ocean where maritime security goes hand in hand with economic growth, and where partnerships are built on mutual respect and trust rather than size or influence.      “Our vision is to make the Indian Ocean an Ocean of Opportunity. We believe the Indian Ocean is our shared home; its security, sustainability, and prosperity are our shared responsibility,” the Prime Minister said. He announced that India would share its successful Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) experience with Seychelles and continue expanding cooperation in defence, security, trade, connectivity, and industrial development.   “We believe the defence and security of India and Seychelles are integral to each other. We will continue to explore new opportunities for industries in both countries and work towards enhancing connectivity,” he added.     Prime Minister Modi and President Herminie reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest during delegation-level talks held at the State House.      The Indian delegation included External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. The Seychelles delegation comprised Vice-President Sebastien Pillay, Principal Minister and Minister for Fisheries, Agriculture and the Blue Economy Wallace Cosgrow, Foreign Affairs Minister Barry Faure, Finance Minister Pierre Laporte, and other senior officials.   In recognition of his contribution to strengthening bilateral ties and promoting maritime cooperation, Prime Minister Modi was conferred Seychelles’ special presidential distinction, ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon.’

Accepting the honour, he dedicated the award to all nations working collectively to combat climate change and protect the world’s oceans.

A major highlight of the visit was the handover of the ‘Made in India’ Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) PS LESPWAR, built by Goa Shipyard Limited, to the Seychelles Coast Guard.      The vessel, along with six ambulances, ten utility vehicles, and five laser-guided boats, was formally handed over during a ceremony at the Seychelles Coast Guard Base in Victoria in the presence of President Herminie.      The FPV is expected to significantly enhance Seychelles’ maritime surveillance capabilities and strengthen patrol operations within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), reinforcing India’s role as a trusted maritime security partner in the Indian Ocean Region.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the initiative reflects the deepening strategic partnership between India and Seychelles and India’s continued commitment to supporting maritime capacity-building among Indian Ocean nations.

Earlier, Prime Minister Modi received a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the State House and was welcomed by President Herminie with full state honours. Having arrived in Victoria on June 27, where he was personally received by the Seychelles President and senior Cabinet members, the Prime Minister is participating as the Guest of Honour at Seychelles’ Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations on June 29, marking 50 years of the island nation’s independence from the United Kingdom.   During his visit, Prime Minister Modi also visited the Seychelles National Botanical Garden as part of his cultural and environmental engagements, underscoring the broadening scope of India-Seychelles cooperation beyond strategic and economic ties.