2 Indian Navy ships, naval band, Army contingent to take part in Seychelles National Day celebrations

An Indian Army contingent, a stealth frigate and a survey vessel of the Indian Navy have arrived in Seychelles to take part in the golden jubilee celebrations of the country’s National Day.The east African country is celebrating the National Day to mark 50 years of independence from the UK and 50 years of diplomatic ties with India. The celebrations will be attended by PM Narendra Modi as the guest of honour as he is currently on a three-day visit to Seychelles starting June 27.Stealth frigate INS Tarkash and Survey Vessel Large INS Ikshak arrived in Victoria, capital of the archipelago nation, on June 26 during their ongoing operational deployment to the south-west Indian Ocean Region, the Navy said.

“During the port call, Tarkash, along with INS Ikshak, will participate in Golden Jubilee celebrations of the National Day of Seychelles, on June 29, with a marching contingent and naval band, India Seychelles BridgesofFriendship MAHASAGAR MaritimeCooperation,” the Navy said in a post on X on Sunday.The Army contingent comprising 32 personnel from the Assam Regiment and is led by Captain Aryan H Deolekar will march on the Seychelles National Day along with other marching contingents.

“An Indian Navy marching contingent accompanied by a military band is also participating in the celebrations, reflecting the close and enduring defence partnership between the two countries," the Navy said in a statement.Participation of the Indian armed forces contingents in national celebrations of friendly foreign countries serves as a symbol of mutual trust, military camaraderie and shared commitment towards strengthening bilateral relations, the Indian Army said.

Such engagements reinforce defence cooperation and underscore India's role as a reliable partner in promoting peace, stability and security in the Indian Ocean Region, it added.Earlier, the Indian armed forces' contingents had represented the nation at prominent international ceremonial events, including the 237th Bastille Day Parade in France in 2023, the Victory Day Parade in Bangladesh in 2021, and Victory Day Parade in Russia in 2015 and 2020, it said.