India strengthens Indian Ocean partnership as PM Modi hands over patrol vessel to Seychelles

The vessel, named PS Lespwar, was built by Goa Shipyard Limited and is capable of travelling at speeds exceeding 30 knots.

Designed to enhance maritime surveillance, it will support the Seychelles Coast Guard in monitoring the country's vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

In Creole, Lespwar translates to "hope".

Alongside the patrol vessel, India also presented 10 utility vehicles, five laser radial boats and six ambulances as part of its broader development partnership with Seychelles.

PM Narendra Modi and the Seychelles President Dr Patrick Herminie at the Seychelles Coast Guard Base. Photo: PIB

Naval asset handed over

The symbolic handover took place during Prime Minister Modi's three-day state visit to Seychelles, which coincided with the country's Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations.

President Dr Patrick Herminie received the Indian Prime Minister, who attended the celebrations as the chief guest.

The visit also underscored the growing defence, development and diplomatic cooperation between the two countries as they commemorate 50 years of bilateral diplomatic relations.

Patrol vessel to boost maritime surveillance

The addition of PS Lespwar is expected to strengthen the Seychelles Coast Guard's operational capabilities across its extensive maritime territory.

India has steadily expanded its maritime cooperation with Seychelles through the supply of defence equipment, capacity-building initiatives and joint security efforts aimed at promoting stability in the Indian Ocean region.

The delivery of the patrol vessel further reflects India's continuing support for Seychelles' maritime security infrastructure.

Modi visits Seychelles botanical garden

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi and President Herminie toured the Seychelles National Botanical Garden, where they viewed the famous Aldabra giant tortoises, among the world's largest and longest-living reptiles.

Native to the Aldabra Atoll, these tortoises can live for more than 250 years, with adult males weighing up to 250 kilograms.

The visit also highlighted the long-standing cultural links between the two countries.

Seychelles has previously gifted Aldabra giant tortoises to zoological parks in Kolkata and Hyderabad.

Historical records indicate that a tortoise named Adwaitya was presented to Calcutta during the nineteenth century and reportedly lived until 2006.

INS Ikshak joins National Day celebrations

India's maritime engagement was further highlighted by the arrival of the Indian Navy's survey vessel INS Ikshak at Port Victoria on 26 June.

The indigenously built vessel is participating in Seychelles' National Day celebrations while also engaging with the Seychelles Defence Forces.

Its programme includes professional exchanges and community outreach activities such as medical camps.

Bilateral talks, Parliamentary address scheduled

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with President Herminie on Sunday to review ongoing cooperation across strategic sectors.

He will also address the Seychelles National Assembly, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so, before attending the country's main Independence Day celebrations.

Expanding bilateral partnership

The visit follows President Patrick Herminie's state visit to India in February 2026, during which New Delhi announced a USD 175 million economic assistance package for Seychelles.

The package includes a USD 125 million rupee-denominated Line of Credit and USD 50 million in grants.

The financial assistance is intended to support public housing, infrastructure development, sustainable mobility, capacity building and maritime security, further expanding cooperation between India and Seychelles across multiple sectors.