During his official state visit to Seychelles, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented the Made-in-India Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) PS LESPWAR to the Seychelles Coast Guard. The handover ceremony, held at the Seychelles Coast Guard Base in Victoria, marked a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral defense cooperation between India and Seychelles.
**Enhancing Maritime Surveillance Capabilities**
The PS LESPWAR, constructed by Goa Shipyard Limited, is a specialized patrol vessel designed to significantly enhance Seychelles’ maritime surveillance and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) patrol capabilities. This addition is expected to bolster the island nation’s ability to monitor and secure its vast maritime boundaries effectively.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of this transfer, stating, “The transfer of the Fast Patrol Vessel Lespwar to the Seychelles Coast Guard marks another important milestone in the growing partnership between India and Seychelles in defense and maritime security.” He further expressed India’s commitment to the partnership, saying, “Let us rest assured to stand shoulder to shoulder with Seychelles as a partner in whom we can place trust, working together to deepen lasting friendship and strengthen our collective maritime capacity.”
**Comprehensive Assistance Package**
In addition to the patrol vessel, Prime Minister Modi extended further support by handing over six ambulances, ten utility vehicles, and five laser radial boats to Seychelles. This comprehensive assistance package aims to contribute to the island nation’s development, disaster response capabilities, and overall maritime security.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted the significance of this gesture, stating, “Together as partners. Stronger as one. In a special gesture, PM Narendra Modi handed over the ‘Made in India’ Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) PS LESPWAR to President Dr. Patrick Herminie. The FPV will contribute to strengthening Seychelles’ maritime surveillance and EEZ patrol capabilities.” The MEA also noted that the ambulances, utility vehicles, and laser radial boats would further contribute to the development and security of Seychelles.
**Strengthening Bilateral Defense Ties**
The official transfer of the vessel to the Seychelles Coast Guard underscores the deepening defense ties between India and Seychelles. This collaboration highlights India’s role as a trusted maritime security partner in the region, committed to ensuring the safety and stability of the Indian Ocean.
**Contextualizing the Handover**
This initiative aligns with India’s broader Vision MAHASAGAR, which focuses on enhancing maritime security and cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. The partnership between India and Seychelles has been marked by several collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening defense and maritime security. Notably, in April 2021, Prime Minister Modi handed over a fast patrol vessel to Seychelles and inaugurated a solar power plant, a court building, and ten community development projects in the island nation.
Furthermore, in February 2026, India announced a $175 million development assistance package for Seychelles, encompassing a $125 million line of credit and a $50 million grant. This package supports projects in areas such as social housing, e-mobility, vocational training, health, defense, and maritime security, aiming to create new employment and skill opportunities for the people of Seychelles, especially the youth.
**Conclusion**
The handover of the PS LESPWAR and the accompanying assistance package signify a substantial advancement in the defense and maritime security partnership between India and Seychelles. This collaboration not only enhances Seychelles’ capabilities but also contributes to the broader goal of ensuring peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region.
