Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, 27 June handed over a 'Made in India' Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) PS Lespwar, six ambulances, 10 utility vehicles, and five laser radial boats to Seychelles, in a significant defence and development gesture during his State Visit to the island nation. The handover ceremony was held at the Seychelles Coast Guard Base in Victoria in the presence of Seychelles President Dr. Patrick Herminie, marking the first day of Modi's visit to the archipelago.

What Was Handed Over

The centrepiece of the transfer is the FPV PS Lespwar, built by Goa Shipyard Limited, which will bolster Seychelles' maritime surveillance and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) patrol capabilities. The vessel's name, Lespwar, means 'hope' in Seychellois Creole — a symbolic choice for a partnership rooted in shared maritime interests.

Alongside the patrol vessel, the six ambulances and 10 utility vehicles are expected to support Seychelles' healthcare and civil infrastructure needs, while the five laser radial boats will strengthen its coastal and sporting capabilities. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the handover on its official X account, describing the gesture as one guided by India's Vision MAHASAGAR — New Delhi's framework for deepening maritime cooperation across the Indian Ocean region.

Ceremony and Cultural Exchanges

The formal proceedings began with the playing of national anthems of both countries, followed by a Guard of Honour inspection by Prime Minister Modi and President Herminie. Modi also witnessed a traditional Seychellois moutya performance, after which 18 members of the Seychellois Indian diaspora — originally from Kutch, Gujarat — performed Nrutya, an authentic folk dance from the region, in his honour. The cultural exchange underscored the deep people-to-people ties between the two nations.

Strategic Context: India-Seychelles Ties

This is PM Modi's second State Visit to Seychelles. Earlier this year, President Herminie had undertaken a State Visit to India, reflecting the growing momentum in bilateral engagement. The office of the President of Seychelles noted ahead of Modi's arrival that India remains 'one of Seychelles' closest and most valued development partners,' supporting initiatives across infrastructure, healthcare, education, and community development.

The two countries have maintained diplomatic relations since Seychelles attained independence in 1976. India's growing footprint in the Indian Ocean region — through defence equipment transfers, infrastructure projects, and development assistance — positions New Delhi as a key security partner for small island states like Seychelles, which has a vast EEZ but limited maritime enforcement resources.

Modi's Visit: Broader Purpose

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Seychelles on Saturday afternoon as the Guest of Honour at the country's Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations — a mark of the special standing India holds in Victoria's foreign policy calculus. The visit is expected to yield further agreements on bilateral cooperation, with the defence and maritime domain remaining a central pillar. All eyes will now be on any joint statements or new pacts that emerge from the talks between the two leaders before Modi concludes his visit.