Indian Naval Ship Sunayna to carry out joint Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ) surveillance with the Seychelles Coast Guard
| 2024-06-18
Indian Naval Ship Sunayna arrives at Port Victoria, Seychelles on June 15, 2024.
The visit of INS Sunayna is part of a broader strategy to strengthen maritime cooperation with Seychelles
The Indian Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessel, INS Sunayna, docked at Port Victoria in Seychelles on June 15, 2024, accompanied by the Seychelles Coast Guard Ship (SCGS) Zoroaster. This visit is a significant move aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation and security between the Indian Navy and the Seychelles Coast Guard.
INS Sunayna, which is based at the Southern Naval Command, was warmly received by officials from the Seychelles Coast Guard and the Embassy of India. This gesture marks the beginning of a series of engagements that will see personnel from both navies participating in a range of official and social interactions, as well as cross-deck visits. These activities are designed to foster camaraderie and mutual understanding, aligning with the vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), an initiative by India aimed at promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region.
The joint arrival of INS Sunayna and SCGS Zoroaster underscores the collaborative spirit between the two nations. SCGS Zoroaster had recently undergone a short refit at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) in India, further highlighting the deepening ties in maritime infrastructure and capability enhancement.
During its stay in Seychelles, INS Sunayna will engage in joint Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ) surveillance with the Seychelles Coast Guard. This joint operation is crucial for maintaining maritime security and combating challenges such as illegal fishing, smuggling, and piracy. The collaborative surveillance missions aim to ensure the security of the EEZ, which is vital for the economic well-being of the Seychelles.
The visit of INS Sunayna is not an isolated event but part of a broader strategy to strengthen maritime cooperation. Earlier this year, in March, INS Tir, the lead ship of the First Training Squadron (1TS), participated in Exercise Cutlass Express 24 (CE-24) held at Port Victoria. This exercise, which took place from February 26 to March 8, was inaugurated by the President of Seychelles and saw participation from dignitaries from India, the USA, and various African countries. The Indian Navy’s participation in such exercises since 2019 underscores its commitment to regional security and collaboration.
Cutlass Express is an annual maritime exercise that aims to improve cooperation and interoperability among participating nations to address maritime security challenges. The Indian Navy’s active engagement with participants from 16 friendly foreign countries during the exercise is a testament to its proactive stance in fostering international maritime partnerships.
The current visit by INS Sunayna is expected to build on the successes of previous engagements, enhancing the operational readiness and mutual trust between the Indian and Seychellois naval forces. The activities planned during this visit, including official meetings and social interactions, are designed to provide opportunities for sharing best practices and improving coordination in maritime operations.
The Seychelles Coast Guard and the Indian Navy share a long history of cooperation, and this visit is another milestone in their enduring relationship. The joint EEZ surveillance mission is particularly significant as it reflects the shared commitment to safeguarding maritime resources and ensuring the safety and security of the region’s waters.
As close neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region, India and Seychelles have consistently worked together to address common maritime challenges. The vision of SAGAR, which emphasizes collective growth and security, is at the heart of these cooperative efforts. By undertaking joint initiatives and enhancing maritime capabilities, both nations aim to contribute to a stable and secure maritime environment.
The arrival of INS Sunayna at Port Victoria is a reaffirmation of the strong bilateral relations and the shared commitment to regional security. As the ship engages in its scheduled activities, it will serve as a floating ambassador of India’s goodwill and a symbol of the enduring partnership between the Indian Navy and the Seychelles Coast Guard.
The successful completion of this visit is anticipated to pave the way for future collaborations, further strengthening the maritime bonds between India and Seychelles. This partnership not only enhances maritime security but also contributes to the broader goal of regional stability and prosperity.
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