India donates patrol craft to Seychelles

Enhancing the maritime security

SEYCHELLES: Specifically designed for coastal defence duties, patrol and surveillance, a new Fast Interceptor Craft, PB Boudeuse, was officially handed over to the Seychelles Defence Force by the Indian Government at a ceremony last week.

The new vessel is set to replace the PB Hermes, which was donated by India in 2026, and will strengthen Seychelles’ maritime security infrastructure, enabling faster response operations, improved coastal surveillance, and enhanced protection of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The handover ceremony was attended by President Wavel Ramkalawan, who also serves as Commander-in-Chief of the Seychelles Defence Forces. Also present were Vice President Ahmed Afif, Indian Ambassador Kartik Pande, key government ministers, Chief of Defence Forces Major General Michael Rosette, senior military officials from both the SDF and the Indian Navy, as well as other guests.

As part of the official commissioning, President Ramkalawan formally presented the National Flag to Second Lieutenant Marlon Noel, after which it was ceremonially hoisted on the newly commissioned patrol vessel.

The new 27m vessel is adapted for day and night patrolling and surveillance as well as high-speed interception in anti-terrorist, anti-smuggling, light-intensity military operation as well as for the protection of coastal waters, and is capable of a maximum speed of 45 knots

The donation of the Fast Interceptor Craft highlights the enduring bilateral ties between Seychelles and India, reinforcing India’s role as a strategic defence partner in the region and reinforces the bilateral arrangements between the two countries.

In his address, Major General Rosette expressed deep appreciation to the Government of India for its unwavering support in strengthening Seychelles’ maritime security. He reaffirmed Seychelles’ commitment to protecting its territorial waters, particularly in countering threats such as illegal fishing, piracy, and transnational maritime crimes.

Mentioning the donation in his State of the Nation Address, President Ramkalawan also confirmed that a new patrol vessel from China would also soon be handed over to assist with patrols in the region. Other donations from Bahrain include four fast boats that are assisting to patrol the inner islands.

PHOTO: Official handover ceremony.