​​​​​​​Victoria, Seychelles, June 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday handed over a Made-in-India Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV),PS LESPWAR, along with six ambulances, ten utility vehicles, and five laser radial boats to Seychelles, reinforcing India's commitment to enhancing the island nation's maritime security and development.

The handover ceremony took place at the Seychelles Coast Guard Base in Victoria in the presence of Seychelles President Patrick Herminie during the first day of Prime Minister Modi's official State Visit to the country. The Fast Patrol Vessel, built by Goa Shipyard Limited, is expected to significantly strengthen Seychelles' maritime surveillance capabilities and improve patrolling across its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Highlighting the significance of the initiative, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the vessel will bolster Seychelles' maritime security while the ambulances, utility vehicles, and laser radial boats will support the country's healthcare, public services, and coastal operations. The ministry noted that the assistance reflects India's Vision MAHASAGAR and underscores the growing defence partnership between the two nations, contributing to peace and stability across the Indian Ocean region.

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Victoria earlier in the day as the Guest of Honour for Seychelles' Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.

During the ceremonial welcome, the national anthems of India and Seychelles were played, following which Prime Minister Modi and President Herminie inspected a Guard of Honour and received a military salute.

The welcome ceremony also featured cultural performances celebrating the close people-to-people ties between the two nations. A traditional Seychellois moutya dance was presented by a local troupe, followed by a vibrant performance of Gujarat's folk dance, Nrutya, by an 18-member cultural group from the Indian diaspora with roots in Kutch.

This marks Prime Minister Modi's second official State Visit to Seychelles and follows President Patrick Herminie's visit to India earlier this year, reflecting the continued high-level engagement between the two countries.

Ahead of the visit, the Office of the President of Seychelles described India as one of the country's most trusted development partners, highlighting New Delhi's longstanding support in sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and community development.

The presidency also emphasised that the visit reaffirms the enduring friendship and strategic cooperation between India and Seychelles, which have maintained diplomatic relations since the island nation gained independence in 1976.