India on Thursday formally handed over a ?100-crore patrol vessel to—1-- , with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying the Indian Ocean archipelago is central to New Delhi’s vision for security and development in the region.

Besides the donation of the PS Zoroaster to the –1-- Coast Guard, Modi and President Wavel Ramkalawan inaugurated the new magistrates’ court building in Mahé constructed with a $3.5-million grant, a 1 MW solar power plant built at a cost of $3.4 million, and 10 community development projects during a virtual event.

India has been working closely with countries in the Indian Ocean, especially the Maldives and –1--, to bolster maritime security through the supply of aircraft and patrol vessels. The PS Zoroaster is the fourth made-in-India patrol boat to be gifted to ---1-- since 2005, and more than 50% of –1--’ maritime and air assets have been provided by India.

The 48.9-metre patrol boat was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineering at a cost of ?100 crore and has a top speed of 35 knots and an endurance of 1,500 nautical miles. The vessel will be used for multi-purpose operations, such as patrolling, anti-smuggling and anti-poaching operations, and search and rescue.

Seychelles, he added, is central to India’s vision of --2--, and India will help develop the archipelago’s security capabilities and meet its infrastructural and developmental needs.

Ramkalawan, who has his roots in Gopalganj district of Bihar, said the vessel will play a key role in counter-narcotics operations within –1-- vast maritime zone and contribute to regional stability and security,.

“In India, we have a reliable and trusted partner. India has never failed us, India stands by us and –1-- stands by India,” Ramkalawan said, adding that India’s “precious donation” of 50,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccines had helped his country in moving towards the goals of achieving 70% herd immunity by the end of April and opening up the economy.