Boat : In a significant move aimed at enhancing maritime security, the Government of India officially handed over the Indian Coast Guard Interceptor Boat C-449 to the Government of Seychelles on February 25, 2025. The vessel, now commissioned as PB Boudeuse, was inducted into the Seychelles Coast Guard during a high-profile ceremony attended by top leaders from both nations.
The event took place in the presence of His Excellency Wavel Ramkalawan, President of the Republic of Seychelles, and several key officials, including the Vice President, the Minister of External Affairs, the Minister of Interior, senior military personnel, and representatives from the Indian High Commission and Indian Coast Guard. The ceremony underscored India’s ongoing commitment to reinforcing its defence cooperation with Seychelles, a relationship that has deepened over time in pursuit of a stable and secure maritime environment.
Speaking at the event, India’s High Commissioner to Seychelles, Kartik Pande, highlighted the long-standing maritime ties between the two nations, noting their shared economic, social, and cultural bonds. He emphasized the strengthening of bilateral defence relations, stating that the partnership goes beyond strategic interests and aligns with India’s “Security and Growth for All in the Region” (SAGAR) vision. This vision, championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focuses on improving maritime security in the Indian Ocean region, particularly amidst rising asymmetric and non-conventional threats.
High Commissioner Pande also emphasized that the commissioning of PB Boudeuse marks a significant milestone in Seychelles’ efforts to safeguard its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) from emerging maritime threats. The addition of this vessel is particularly timely, as Seychelles continues to bolster its capabilities to protect its vast maritime territory.
PB Boudeuse is the fifth Made-in-India patrol boat provided to Seychelles since 2005. The previous vessel, PS Zoroaster, was handed over in 2021. Along with PS Zoroaster and the Dornier Maritime Patrol aircraft, PB Boudeuse is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing Seychelles’ maritime security operations.
The vessel, valued at approximately 25 Crore INR, was formally commissioned into the Seychelles Coast Guard as Patrol Boat Boudeuse. The ceremony included a traditional blessing by the chaplain and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque. In addition, India contributed spare parts worth 2.31 Crore INR to the Seychelles Defence Forces, further underscoring its support for the country’s maritime security infrastructure.
This event marks another important chapter in the growing defence cooperation between India and Seychelles, solidifying their joint commitment to ensuring regional maritime security and stability in the Indian Ocean.
