Indian navy ship to help Seychelles combat pirates |18 April 2009

After a request from the government of Seychelles for help in patrolling its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), the Indian government has decided to deploy the INS Nirdeshak, which carries a crew of 20 officers and 155 other ranks, including a highly trained quick response team.

The 2,000-ton Nirdeshak is equipped with a 40mm rapid-firing gun, state-of-the art electronic surveillance system, a helicopter and interceptor boats, which are capable of multiple operations. 

The Indian navy has already been active in combating piracy in the Red Sea/Gulf of Aden, and the ships deployed there have not only given protection to several merchant ships but have thwarted many pirate attacks. 

In keeping with the special relations between Seychelles and India, the Indian navy remains committed to helping Seychelles with anti-piracy measures, of which the deployment of the Nirdeshak is the first step.

It will patrol in Seychelles’ EEZ for about 10 days and will carry out extensive surveillance of the area. 

Later deployment of Indian ships is now being worked out between the governments of India and Seychelles.