BOTH THE INDIAN AND SEYCHELLES
DEFENCE FORCES SHOULD JOIN HANDS TO STRENGTHEN SOLIDARITY BETWEEN
INDIA AND AFRICA
Vice President
Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat has said that India has been an active
contributor to the peacekeeping operations in the Continent as
part of its commitment to African peace and stability. Both the
Indian and Seychelles defence forces should join hands to strengthen
solidarity between India and Africa.
Following is the
full text of the address of the Vice President of India at the
Seychelles Defence Academy:
"I am privileged
to be addressing the valiant officers and men of the Seychelles
defence forces in the premises of the Defence Academy. I extend
to you all my very warm greetings.
The present age is
of democracy. Democracy, no doubt, is government of the people,
for the people and by the people. But to safeguard democracy,
to protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country
and the freedom of the people, we depend upon the professional,
apolitical and disciplined defence forces. They provide security
and the strength to democracy and are ever-dependable insurance
against any threat to peace and harmony. Indeed, the defence personnel
perform a very valuable role in the system of democratic governance.
Ever since your Country's
Independence, there has been close and regular cooperation between
the defence forces of our two countries. The Seychelles Defence
Academy itself is a symbol of this cooperation. Indian naval ship
INS Nilgiri had docked in Victoria harbour to join the celebrations
to usher in the independence of Seychelles on 29th
June 1976. It is a matter of satisfaction that over the years
close cooperation has extended into vital areas such as training
for SPDF personnel in key areas, joint training of the two forces,
visit by Indian warships and supply of defence related equipment.
In the SPDF Museum,
which I just visited, I was very happy to note the prominent display
of a number of memorable landmarks in Indo-Seychelles defence
cooperation. The memorial plaque raised in December 2001 on the
successful completion of twenty years of Indo-Seychelles defence
cooperation and the first ever joint exercises between the forces
of our two countries bears testimony to the friendship and brotherhood
between both sides.
There are other dimensions
to our relations. We are both littoral countries of the Indian
Ocean region. We in India, therefore, consider Seychelles as our
neighbour and wish to further strengthen the existing close cooperation.
India is committed to assist in all possible areas to enable your
defence forces to attain a high degree of efficiency and preparedness.
We wish to share our resources and technology for the peace and
stability of your country and the well being of its inhabitants.
I am very happy that an MOU on defence cooperation has been concluded
and is to be signed later this evening. It will go a long way
in enlarging and further reinforcing our defence ties.
One cannot help observing
that the Continent of Africa is steadily marching towards economic
self-reliance. It is equally praiseworthy to note the determination
of African countries to find indigenous solutions to its conflicts
as reflected in the objectives of the African Union and NEPAD.
India has been an active contributor to the peacekeeping operations
in the Continent as part of its commitment to African peace and
stability. Both the Indian and Seychelles defence forces should
join hands to strengthen solidarity between India and Africa.
Friends, we are living
in fast changing times. A new world order is fast emerging. Unfortunately
though, the global environment for peace and harmony is still
fragile. On the one hand, there are challenges of poverty and
under-development to be met in most parts of the world. On the
other, there are growing threats to democracy arising from the
forces bent upon subverting the very process of development. The
phenomenon of international terrorism is today's greatest security
challenge before the entire international community. It is a matter
of great satisfaction to me that Seychelles has signed a joint
declaration with India, in October 2002, to fight international
terrorism.
India has been a
victim of cross-border terrorism for more than two decades. This
has added new dimension to the increasing responsibilities of
our defence forces. I am proud to say that our defence forces
have shown exemplary ability and determination in successfully
fighting terrorism in a professional manner and with a humane
touch. India is determined to fight and eliminate cross-border
terrorism.
Friends, let me reaffirm
my country's commitment to further strengthen mutual cooperation
between our defence forces. We will facilitate acceleration of
this cooperation as also in other fields. India believes that
cooperation between our two countries, based on shared values
of democracy, peace and universal brotherhood, is a stabilizing
force in building a better world order. I look forward to achieving
this cherished goal. May God bless our endeavours for enhanced
cooperation with success.
I thank you once
again for inviting me to be amidst you this morning. It was indeed
a privilege and honour to share my thoughts with you."
