Modi's Visit to Indian Ocean-Part 1

Indian PM Narendra Modi was on tour to Indian Ocean Region in which he travelled to three island nations- Seychelles, Mauritius and Sri Lanka. The purpose of visit was to push these countries into closer security and strategic partnership with India.


SEYCHELLES:

About Seychelles
Seychelles which is officially Republic of Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands out of which 15 are habited. Its total population is around 90,000 out of which 10% are of Indian-origin.

Capital: Victoria

Currency: Sychellios Rupee

President: James Alexis Michel

Relations with India
Relations between India and Seychelles are based on cooperation and understanding especially in defence sector. In 1986, India had executed 'Operation Flowers are Blooming' on the request of then President Rene. India sent INS Vindhyagiri to avert a coup at that time.
In 2009, India dispatched its naval ships to patrol its Exclusive Economic Zones to stop piracy.
In 2014, Indian naval ship, INS Tarasa was gifted to Seychelles.(PS Topaz was also given in 2006)
Indian PM Modi is the first to visit this island nation in 33 years. Indira Gandhi last visited it in 1981.

Outcome of the Visit:

• PM Modi operationalised a a Coastal Surveillance Radar System at the Ma Josephine Mahe.
• India also secured leasing of Assumption Island, one of the 115 islands of Seychelles, for 'island development' for tourism purpose.
• India handed over the Dornier surveillance aircraft manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. to Seychelles.
• PM also promised to provide free of cost visas for three months for Seychelles' citizens and also making it available to them on arrival.
• Four agreements were signed on- cooperation in hydrographic survey, renewable energy, infrastructure development and to jointly develop navigation charts.
• India also proposed to form Joint Working Group on 'Blue Economy' or 'Ocean Economy' to harness new possibilities in Indian ocean.