In a significant development, India and the Seychelles have conducted naval exercises called’ Cutlass Express 24′. The INS (Indian Naval Ship) Tir took part in an exercise inaugurated by Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan. Officials from India, the U.S. and African countries were present. Exercise Cutlass Express – 24 took place around Port Victoria, the capital of Seychelles. An Indian Navy statement says “training was conducted on theoretical and practical aspects of maritime interdiction operations”. It also mentions “visit board search and seizure procedures and diving operations”.
The statement adds, “During the sea phase, the ship’s team boarded Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG) ship LE Vigilant and demonstrated procedures. Indian, Seychellois and U.S, divers also had rigorous training. The Indian Navy says, “INS Tir undertook joint surveillance with the Seychelles Coast Guard”. And the Indian Navy also participated in long-range training deployment, professional exchanges and cross-deck visits”.
Seychelles, Mauritius and the Maldives
This naval exercise comes a week after an India-built airstrip was inaugurated in Agaléga in Mauritius. On another front, India has had to dial back its engagement in the Maldives because of President Muiizu’s pro-China tilt. With the Seychelles, India is trying to develop naval infrastructure on Assumption island, on the south-west of the capital Victoria. India signed an agreement with Seychelles in 2015 that envisaged building a jetty, an airstrip and housing for the Seychelles Coast Guard. But, President Wavel Ramkalawan campaigned and won elections, on among other promises, to annul the agreement on Assumption Island. That’s why the latest engagement with naval exercises are significant.
Indian, Seychelles and U.S. divers took part in the Cutlass Express exercises, India has provided the Seychelles patrol ships, aircraft and helicopters. Around 10% of the local population are of Indian origin.
