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    A sky diving demonstration will be conducted by the Indian Army Special Forces personnel and Air Force Parachute Jump instructors, at Anse Royale on 24 Nov 01, as part of the Seychelles Peoples Defence Forces (SPDF) Celebrations. This will be followed by a Community Welfare project jointly undertaken by the personnel of Indian Armed Forces and SPDF personnel.

    The Indian Army Special Forces will also conduct training capsules for SPDF and Barborron Unit on Counter Terrorist Operations and VVIP Security. The joint training will conclude with an airborne exercise being conducted at Praslin islands.

    India and Seychelles have always enjoyed most friendly relations, which have been characterised by continued interaction between the two countries, at various levels. The recent visit of an Indian naval Ship and the oncoming Joint exercises are two examples of the spirit of friendship and co-operation which exists between the governments and the people of the two countries. The joint exercises and the visit of the Indian contingent will provide yet another opportunity to the two sides to strengthen our economic collaboration and defence co-operation with Seychelles to the mutual advantage of both countries and prevent inimical influences exercising undue pressure to the detriment of each others interest.

    Seychelles as a country is vulnerable to regional, political and economic manipulative pressures and military threats, besides internal subversion and sabotage. This is especially so in view of gradual reduction of major powers/western presence in the Indian Ocean region following the end of the cold war era. There may therefore arise contingencies when assistance may be sought through Regional or UN agenda from major Indian Ocean countries including India. We need to hence enhance economic and defence collaboration with Seychelles on a continuing basis. Military training should form the core of such co-operation between the countries.