VICTORIA, Seychelles, June 28: Indian Naval Ships INS Tarkash and INS Ikshak have arrived in Seychelles and are set to participate in the country’s Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations on Monday, the Indian Navy spokesperson said on Sunday.
In a post on X, the Indian Navy said INS Tarkash, a frontline warship, arrived at Port Victoria on June 26 during an ongoing operational deployment in the Southwest Indian Ocean Region. During the port call, INS Tarkash along with INS Ikshak will take part in the National Day celebrations on June 29, supported by a marching contingent and naval band.
“INS Tarkash, a frontline warship of the Indian Navy, arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles on 26 June during the ongoing operational deployment to the SW IOR. During the port call, Tarkash, along with INS Ikshak, will participate in the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the National Day of Seychelles, on 29 Jun, with a marching contingent and naval band,” the Navy said.
According to the Navy, INS Ikshak, an indigenously designed and constructed Survey Vessel Large, arrived at Port Victoria on Friday during its deployment in the Southwest Indian Ocean region. The visit coincides with Seychelles’ 50th National Day celebrations and underscores the enduring maritime partnership between the two countries.
The Navy added that during the port call, the vessel will engage with the Seychelles Defence Forces and undertake community outreach activities, reaffirming India’s commitment to maritime cooperation and regional security under its MAHASAGAR vision.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the title “Guardian of the Blue Horizon” by Seychelles President Patrick Herminie during the same visit.
The honour was awarded in recognition of Modi’s leadership in environmental protection, climate action, sustainable ocean governance, and support for Small Island Developing States. It is the first time the distinction has been conferred, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
Prime Minister Modi dedicated the award to countries committed to environmental conservation and combating climate change, stating that it would further strengthen the friendship between India and Seychelles as both nations mark 50 years of diplomatic relations.
Modi is on a three-day state visit to Seychelles from June 27 to June 29 at the invitation of President Herminie and is also attending the National Day celebrations as Guest of Honour, marking 50 years of Seychelles’ independence from the United Kingdom. (ANI)
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