Visit of Indian Warship Trikand to Port Victoria

Visit of Indian Warship Trikand to Port Victoria

In a demonstration of India’s commitment to its ties with Seychelles and to promote maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region, Indian Naval Ship Trikand has arrived at Port Victoria on a five day visit. INS Trikand, a modern frigate of the Indian Navy, is currently on a two-month long deployment in the Southern Indian Ocean in keeping with the vision of SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region. Accordingly, the Indian Navy will be progressing maritime security cooperation with Seychelles Coast Guard towards ensuring a secure and stable regional maritime environment for unhindered economic development in the region.

INS Trikand’s visit coincides with Seychelles' National Day celebrations on 29 Jun 16. A marching contingent and Naval Band embarked on the warship will participate in the prestigious annual military parade. The ship's integral helicopter will also undertake a fly-past during the event. Calls on senior Government and military authorities, training and technical cooperation measures with Seychelles Coast Guard, sporting and cultural interactions, aimed at strengthening ties and mutual understanding between the two forces, are also planned. At the helm of the ship is the Commanding Officer, Captain Arjun Dev Nair who is assisted by a team of professional and highly motivated men of the Indian Navy.

The deployment adds another chapter to the strong defence and maritime cooperation between India and Seychelles. The Indian Navy regularly undertakes surveillance and patrol missions in the Seychellois EEZ by deploying IN ships and aircraft in joint operations with Seychelles Coast Guard. The last such deployment was by the state-of-the-art, P8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft in March 2016.

India has a strong and longstanding relationship with Seychelles, with defence cooperation including training, hydrography and Maritime Domain Awareness being a significant component. The current visit seeks to bolster the strong bonds of friendship between India and Seychelles and contributes to security and stability in the Indian Ocean Region.