Seychelles to Join India-led Maritime Security Alliance
Seychelles said that Indian ocean region "belongs" to countries sharing maritime boundaries and said it was "actively" considering participating in a security framework for the strategic area involving India, Sri Lanka and Maldives, says a report in TNN.
President James Alix Michel hailed India's role in curbing piracy and noted that the two countries have a "shared interest" in maritime security.
Underlining the element "collective human security" in the maritime space, Michel said it is important that India and Seychelles continue to strive for "ownership of our maritime security and safety".
"We cannot leave it to others to secure our maritime space. The need is more relevant than ever. Today we have with India an exemplary partnership in defence and security sectors. India's determined and proactive action in fight against piracy is highly commendable," Michel said.
Seychelles foreign minister Morgan Joel Morgan said, “With regards to safeguarding maritime domain, Seychelles is actively considering invitation by the Indian government to join the tripartite maritime security framework which encompasses India, Sri Lanka and Maldives.”
Meanwhile, India will gift one more Interceptor Coast Guard boat to Seychelles, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.
“In March, I had announced that we would gift a second Dornier aircraft to Seychelles. I am pleased that we have completed the process quickly and signed the agreement today,” the Prime Minister said.
Modi had made Seychelles one of the stops in his big Indian Ocean foray in March. India has extended the Indian Ocean security framework by inviting Mauritius and Seychelles to the last meeting as observers.
