INS Teg, a stealth frigate of the Navy today docked at Seychelles' Port Victoria to carry out joint surveillance of the archipelago nation's Exclusive Economic Zone.
The visit of INS Teg coincides with Seychelles' National Day celebrations on June 29 in which a 25-member marching contingent and Naval Band will participate. The ship's integral helicopter will also undertake a fly-past during the event.
India has a strong and longstanding relationship with Seychelles of which defence cooperation is a very significant component.
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The defence cooperation between the two nations includes cooperation in the field of training, hydrography and maritime domain awareness (MDA).
India has also provided a Fast Attack Craft and Dornier aircraft to Seychelles as part of its capability development programme.
The stealth frigate of the Indian Navy is currently on a two-month long deployment in the South Indian Ocean with an aim to provide surveillance support in the region.
This is in keeping with India's national objective of ensuring a secure and stable regional environment to allow unhindered economic and social development, not just in India, but also in the entire Indian Ocean Region, a statement by the Navy said.
The ship will be there from till July 9 "as part of its mission to carry out joint EEZ surveillance in the Seychelles EEZ in areas selected by Seychelles Coast Guard, with SCG personnel embarked onboard".
The ship is also carrying items required for maintenance of SCG ships.
A technical team of the ship will be providing necessary assistance for minor defect rectification on various SCG ships.
Additionally, the ship's team would visit the Missionaries of Charity Old Age Home at Anse Etoile to interact with the inmates as well as provide medical support and other assistance.