Indian Navy’s first training squadron docks in Seychelles
BILATERAL – INDIA – ASIA
3 SEPTEMBER 2025
- Indian Navy ships INS Tir, INS Shardul, and Indian Coast Guard ship ICGS Sarathi, comprising the First Training Squadron (1TS), arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles, as part of their long-range training deployment in the South West Indian Ocean Region.
- The visiting squadron was accorded a ceremonial welcome by the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) band, underlining the strong maritime partnership between the two nations.
- This marks the third port call by Indian Navy ships to Seychelles in 2025.
- The first recorded Indian settlers arrived in Seychelles in 1770 as plantation workers alongside French colonists and African slaves. They originated largely from Pondicherry and southern India.
- Beginning in the 20th century, a steady flow of Indian traders, labourers, and professionals—primarily from Tamil Nadu and Gujarat—migrated to the islands.
- The Indo-Seychellois community is a significant minority in the country.
