India and Seychelles Expand Maritime Security Partnership

India and Seychelles expanded their maritime security partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Seychelles from 27 to 29 June 2026. The visit coincided with Seychelles’ 50th Independence Day celebrations and marked 50 years of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles.

Maritime Security Cooperation

On 27 June 2026, India handed over the Fast Patrol Vessel PS LESPWAR to the Seychelles Coast Guard in Victoria. The vessel was built by Goa Shipyard Limited and its name means “hope” in Creole. The vessel is intended for maritime surveillance and Exclusive Economic Zone patrol duties. On 28 June 2026, India and Seychelles announced 19 outcomes covering maritime security, defence, digital payments, healthcare, agriculture and education. The talks took place in Victoria between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Patrick Herminie.

Defence and Coastal Capability Measures

The maritime security package included the completion of the refit of the Seychelles Coast Guard vessel PS Zoroaster. It also included the upgrade of a Dornier maritime surveillance aircraft with a glass cockpit. India also gifted 10 utility vehicles, five Laser Radial-class boats to the Seychelles Defence Force, and six ambulances to the Seychelles government on 28 June 2026. These items formed part of the bilateral assistance announced during the visit.

Economic and Institutional Cooperation

India committed a special economic package of US175 million for Seychelles. The package included a US125 million rupee-denominated Line of Credit and US$50 million in grant assistance. Seychelles joined the India-led Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure on 28 June 2026. The country became the sixth full member of the Colombo Security Conclave in November 2025, after India, Bangladesh, Maldives, Mauritius and Sri Lanka.

Important Facts for Exams

• Exclusive Economic Zone, or EEZ, is the sea zone up to 200 nautical miles from a coastal baseline under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
• Goa Shipyard Limited is a defence public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, India.
• The Colombo Security Conclave is a regional grouping focused on maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.
• The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure is an India-led international initiative for resilient infrastructure systems.

Indian Ocean Security Framework

India’s maritime vision of MAHASAGAR stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. The framework is linked with a free, open, inclusive and secure Indian Ocean region.