Free refit for coast guard vessel
India steps in to boost coastal patrols
SEYCHELLES: News emanating from a State Visit to India by the president of Seychelles, Dr Patrick Hermine includes confirmation of India’s offer to sponsor the refit of one of the coast guard vessels as well as to assist in the establishment of a hydrographic unit.
According to a statement from the State House, at the conclusion of the meeting between Herminie and the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, a Special Economic Package worth US$175 million has been made available to support the island nation’s development priorities.
The package comprises USD 125 million in rupee-denominated Lines of Credit and USD 50 million in grant assistance, and will focus on priority sectors including public housing, mobility, infrastructure development, capacity building, and maritime security.
The Government of India has specifically committed to the refit of PS Zoroaster for the Seychelles Coast Guard as well as the establishment of a Seychelles Hydrographic Unit.
The PS Zoroaster of the Seychelles Coast Guard participated in the Indian Navy’s International Fleet Review 2026 and Exercise Milan last month.
A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services and Seychelles Meteorological Authority on Technical Cooperation in Ocean Observation, Ocean Services, Capacity Building, Data Sharing and the Conduct of Maritime Scientific Research.
The six-day State Visit, took place shortly after President Herminie’s first 100 days in office, and confirms the intention to deepen cooperation between the two nations.
PHOTO: PS Zoroaster of the Seychelles Coast Guard alongside ICGS Sankalp taking part in the Indian Navy International Fleet Review 2026 (Source: India in Seychelles (High Commission of India, Victoria))
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