Advancing hydrography in Seychelles
Promoting collaboration with India
SEYCHELLES: India and the Seychelles have agreed to promote further collaboration in the field of hydrography in an effort to maintain maritime safety, foster economic growth and adhere to international commitments.
Sylvestre Radegonde, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, met with Commodore Vishal Sharma on Friday, November 29, 2024 to discuss areas of collaboration.
Minister Radegonde recognised India’s vital role in advancing Seychelles’ hydrographic development by providing essential hydrographic charts and data. This support enhances navigation, promotes environmental protection and bolsters national security. Seychelles has also gained from capacity-building initiatives, particularly through training of its personnel.
Commodore Sharma and Captain Amit Pant were leading a delegation to further discussions on maritime safety initiatives. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Hydrographic Cooperation between Seychelles and India was previously signed in March 2015. As a key outcome, both parties agreed to review the 2015 MoU in 2025 to incorporate new initiatives and priorities discussed during the meeting.
The Minister for Transport, Antony Derjacques, welcomed the Indian delegation and expressed optimism about the outcomes of their discussions.
During the meeting, the Indian delegation presented an overview of their hydrographic office's history, and the milestones achieved in collaboration with Seychelles. The presentation highlighted the various charts developed for Seychelles, capacity-building initiatives, and the potential for sharing survey data.
The session concluded with the Indian delegation presenting a cheque amounting to USD 4,962 for royalty payments from the sale of nautical charts produced and published by the Indian National Hydrographic Office. They also handed over updated hydrographic charts, depicting surveys conducted near Victoria Harbour, Praslin, and La Digue.
PHOTO: Department of Transport of Seychelles.
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