India’s indigenous helicopter takes the spotlight on Victoria National Day in Seychelles

(Seychelles), June 29: Indian Navy’s indigenously built Advance Light Helicopter (ALH) turned heads as Seychelles celebrated its 48th National Day on Saturday. The ALH, which arrived at Port Victoria on board the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sunayna on June 26, took part in the flypast organized as part of the Seychelles National Day celebrations.

A marching contingent of the Indian Navy and the Naval Band also participated in the military parade organised on the occasion. According to the Indian Navy, the ALH will also jointly monitor the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) with INS Sunayna and the Seychelles Defence Forces to promote closer interoperability and seamless execution of coordinated maritime operations.

On Friday, Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan and Vice President Ahmed Afif attended a demonstration of the Advance Light Helicopter at the Seychelles Air Force Handguard. “An aerial experience sortie and SAR demonstration showcasing the versatility and capability of the indigenous aircraft was undertaken for President Wavel Ramkalawan, Vice President Ahmed Afif and Chief of Defence Forces, Seychelles,” the Indian Navy said. After the live ALH demonstration, the Indian High Commissioner presented a token of appreciation to Ramkalawan.

The CO of INS Sunayna and a delegation from HAL also presented their coats of arms to the President of the country. On Saturday, INS Sunayna hosted a special yoga session on board with locals, diaspora members and personnel from the Seychelles Defence Forces.

The Indian Ministry of Defence has claimed that the deployment of INS Sunayna, which is currently on long-range deployment in the Southwest Indian Ocean region, marks a sustained participation of an Indian military contingent in a parade organised since 1976 as part of Seychelles National Day.

Earlier this month, Seychelles Vice President Ahmed Afif traveled to Delhi to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Council of Ministers. India and Seychelles have strengthened their cooperation in several areas in recent years as they face common security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

The partnership is based on the principles of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and the ‘Five S’ vision of Sammaan (Respect) – Samvaad (Dialogue) – Sahyog (Cooperation) – Shanti (Peace) and Samriddhi (Prosperity) articulated by Prime Minister Modi. As reported by IANS, Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan hoped that PM Modi’s third term will not only strengthen bilateral ties but also help in vigorously addressing the “multiple global and regional challenges” faced by both countries in the IOR.

“On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Seychelles, as well as on my own behalf, I offer our heartiest congratulations on your re-election as Prime Minister of the Republic of India,” Ramkalawan said in his congratulatory message to PM Modi on June 5.

“This outcome is a testament to the confidence the Indian people have in your visionary leadership and the remarkable progress India has made under your leadership, as well as the high regard you hold,” he added.

IANS