Indian High Commissioner Dr Ausaf Sayeed clarifies position on Assomption project |17 February 2018

‘It is a military facility being  built by India for Seychelles’

All allegations surrounding the military facilities that India is building on Assomption island are pure speculations and it is the responsibility of both the Seychelles and Indian governments to better inform the people of the benefits of such a project for both countries and others in the region.

Indian high commissioner to Seychelles, Dr Ausaf Sayeed, said this yesterday afternoon while clarifying his country’s position on the project following mounting criticisms and public outcry on the proposed military project.

He said the project on Assomption island which Seychelles and India discussed and agreed on in March 2015, was decided in the spirit of longstanding friendship and cooperation.

The project would comprise construction of military, aviation, maritime, and communication facilities which would be funded by India, owned by Seychelles and jointly managed and operated by both countries.

Dr Sayeed has categorically denied that it is a military base of India.

“It is a military facility being built by India for Seychelles but would be used by both countries with provision for it to be used by some of the third countries. No land is being leased to India as is being erroneously reported in some papers and blogs. Right now there are no Indian personnel deployed on Assomption which is a fact and anyone can visit Assomption to see for themselves,” Dr Sayeed pointed out.

He added that the sovereignty of the project rest with Seychelles and stressed that the entire project would be developed in mutual consultation between India and Seychelles at every stage.

This after all environmental impact assessments have been carried out by an approved independent agency and other studies as may be deemed necessary by both countries.

“The project does not limit in anyway movement to Aldabra or navigation of civil or military vessels of Seychelles or third countries. The project will also entail training of military specialists of the defence forces of Seychelles and enhancing their capabilities, conduct joint exercises between the armed forces of our two countries,” Dr Sayeed pointed out.

He also said that all surveys that would be required including hydrographic surveys would be carried out in consultation between the two countries and the results will be shared by both countries.

But why is the project important for the two countries?

Dr Sayeed explained that in the case of Seychelles it would mean better surveillance and monitoring for its vast exclusive economic zone (EEZ) which is faced with different maritime threats but also for rescue purposes in the event of search and rescue.

“Considering the size and capability of your armed forces you should ask the question: Are we in a position to do so sitting in Mahé without any facilities in the south?”

“Seychelles being a small country which is seen as a pioneer in the Blue economy, has an obligation along with other Indian Ocean countries to not only ensure your own security but also ensure that the passage of international trade through the region is secure,” stressed Dr Sayeed.

He also stressed on the strategic location of Assomption island near the northern end of the Mozambique Channel which serves as the main shipping route between the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans.

“The entire shipping between two major oceans in the world is going through the Mozambique Channel     and Assomption island is the gateway to this,” he added.

“It is therefore very important not only to India but the entire international community whose trade is passing through the region to ensure that this region is safe. We are living in a connected interdependent world where you cannot say you do not mind what is happening in a region and you cannot have the security of your own country without looking at the larger security of the whole region,” Dr Sayeed said.  

He added that threats to countries are increasing and the way such challenges have to be countered  needs to be planned carefully among the countries, so India is working closely with its bilateral partners -- not only Seychelles but other countries of the region -- in the context of regional and international cooperation.

He said 90% of India’s international trade by volume and 70% of its trade in terms of value pass through this region, stressing India’s interest in the region and pointing out that many other countries no doubt have similar interests.

Dr Sayeed also highlighted all the different marine resources that need to be protected.