Visit of INS Trishul: A celebration of India-Seychelles friendship |01 July 2023
The Indian contingent taking part in the National Day parade
Indian Naval Ship (INS) Trishul, on Long Range Operational Deployment, visited Port Victoria, Seychelles from June 27-30, 2023 and took part in the country’s 47th Independence Day celebrations.
Prior to entering Port Victoria on June 27, 2023, joint EEZ surveillance was carried out by the ship on June 25–26, 2023, with Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG) personnel who had boarded the ship. Joint training/drills were also undertaken, reinforcing the robust bilateral defence and security cooperation.
During the port call, the Commanding Officer (CO), Capt. Kapil Kaushik, called on the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Sylvestre Radegonde, along with Indian High Commissioner Kartik Pande. The CO also called on Brigadier Michael Rosette, Chief of Seychelles Defence Forces (CDF).
A deck reception was organised on board INS Trishul on June 27, which was attended by Minister Radegonde; Minister for Transport, Anthony Derjacques; Minister for Education, Dr Justin Valentin; CDF and other dignitaries from the government of Seychelles, Seychelles Defence Forces, the diplomatic corps as well as the Indian diaspora.
The main event of the ship’s deployment took place on June 29. As the ceremonial guns gifted by India rendered a booming 21-gun salute, a 21-strong marching contingent and 14- strong Indian Navy Band proudly participated in the Seychelles National Day celebrations held in Victoria. The IN Band was conjoined with the Seychelles Defence Forces Band during the ceremony, and was highly appreciated by the dignitaries and local populace. The ship dressed overall on June 29, 2023 on the occasion of Seychelles National Day.
In addition to official interactions, visit to SCG base was organised wherein a team of IN personnel were briefed about the various base facilities.
A joint yoga session was conducted onboard the ship with participation from yoga enthusiasts from Seychelles, officials from Indian high commission along with the ship's crew.
The ship was open to visitors on June 28, 2023. Approximately 200 personnel including Seychelles nationals and diaspora members were given a guided tour of the ship, learning about the ship's capabilities and role of IN.
That same day the ship’s crew also visited the Pointe Larue Home for the Elderly for social service, with officials from the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Family, Seychelles and high commission of India.
This visit showcased the warm and cordial relations between India and Seychelles, and further strengthened defence and security engagement.
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