India donates to Seychelles vessel for its Coast Guard Base strengthing

The Seychelles Coast Guard last evening welcomed PS Lespwar to its fleet as President Dr Patrick Herminie joined the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, His Excellency Narendra Modi, for the official handing over ceremony at the Seychelles Coast Guard Base.

Donated by the Government of India to Seychelles, PS Lespwar will strengthen the country’s maritime security capabilities, enhancing maritime surveillance, search and rescue operations, and the protection of Seychelles’ territorial waters.

The ceremony also included the handing over of six ambulances to the Ministry of Health. In addition, four sport utility vehicles (SUVs) were donated by the Government of India.

Addressing the ceremony, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr Barry Faure, said the donations reflected the depth of the partnership between Seychelles and India and the two countries’ shared commitment to peace, security and sustainable development.

Speaking to State House Press, the Chief of Defence Forces of the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF), Major General Michael Rosette, described PS Lespwar as an important addition to the Seychelles Coast Guard fleet. He said the vessel would enhance the country’s capacity to safeguard its maritime domain, strengthen maritime surveillance, and support search and rescue operations.

Manufactured by Goa Shipyard Limited, India, PS Lespwar represents another milestone in defence cooperation between Seychelles and India. The company was represented at the ceremony by Mr Abhishek Singh.

In a symbolic moment during the ceremony, President Herminie was presented with a replica of PS Lespwar, commemorating the official handing over of the vessel.

Joining the President were Vice-President Sebastien Pillay; the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr Barry Faure; the Minister for Health, Mr Marvin Fanny; Chief of Staff Ms Jennifer Vel, members of the Seychelles Defence Forces and the Indian Navy.

The addition of PS Lespwar, together with the donation of ambulances and SUVs, further reinforces the enduring friendship between Seychelles and India and their shared commitment to strengthening national resilience, security and public service delivery.(UPDATED ON 28TH JUNE 2026)