Indian HC donates ten light vehicles to SPDF |29 November 2017

The Indian high commission (HC) has donated ten light vehicles worth US $183,000 to the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces (SPDF).

The donation comprises four TATA Safari Storme and six TATA Zest cars.

It was the Indian high commissioner, Dr Ausaf Sayeed, who handed over the vehicles to the deputy Chief of Defence Forces Colonel Clifford Roseline, in a small ceremony held at the Seychelles Coast Guard Base at Ile Perseverance yesterday morning.

Also present were the Chief of Staff of the SPDF, senior Indian and SPDF officers among others.

After the handing over of the vehicles, Dr Sayeed stated that the government of India provides training and assistance to the SPDF.

“The governments of India and Seychelles have an excellent mutual relationship, which benefits both countries. Besides this donation of vehicles, a large number of SPDF personnel have been trained in various training institutions of the Indian Armed Forces. Indian naval ships regularly visit the waters of Seychelles for surveillance of our exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and joint exercises, including the recent visit of INS Mumbai during this month, which did anti-narcotics and surveillance patrolling in Seychelles EEZ,” he said.

Thanking the Indian high commissioner, Colonel Roseline said the Indian government through the Indian high commissioner in Seychelles have assisted in equipping the SPDF with various much needed hardware in the past.

“As you are all aware, the relation between our two countries and especially so between our two forces goes a long way, and the bonds that exist are continually re-enforced through the various collaborations and interactions we have, and yet again those donation is testimony of such collaboration,” he said.

He added the donation comes at an opportune moment as they complete this year, transiting into 2018.

“This consignment of vehicles has been taken into consideration during our budget preparation and thanks to your kind gesture it has assisted greatly in relieving much financial and administrative burden on the organisation. I assure you that the vehicles will be in good hands and will be well looked after and utilised as appropriate,” he said.

The government of India has also pledged a second Dornier Maritime Surveillance aircraft to the SPDF which is expected to be handed over in early 2018.