SOURCE: AFI
On March 26, 2025, the High Commission of India in Victoria, Seychelles, organized the Seminar on Indian Defence Equipment (SIDE-2025), a virtual event aimed at strengthening defence collaboration between India and Seychelles. The seminar, held in partnership with the Department of Defence Production and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), showcased India’s cutting-edge defence technologies through presentations by eminent Indian defence manufacturing firms. The event was attended by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of Seychelles, Brigadier Michael Rosette, along with senior officers of the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF), highlighting its significance in deepening bilateral military ties.
The SIDE-2025 seminar, conducted virtually, provided a platform for Indian defence companies to demonstrate their latest innovations to Seychelles’ military leadership. This initiative builds on the success of previous engagements, such as the 2nd Bharat Seychelles Defence Exhibition (SIDE), reflecting India’s commitment to expanding avenues of collaboration with Seychelles under its “Make in India” and “Make for the World” vision. The virtual format enabled seamless participation from leading Indian firms, offering a glimpse into advanced systems ranging from radars and UAVs to naval equipment and small arms—capabilities that align with Seychelles’ maritime security needs in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
India and Seychelles share a robust defence partnership rooted in historical ties and mutual interests. Regular naval visits, joint exercises like Cutlass Express, and capacity-building programs under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) framework have solidified this relationship. The seminar underscored India’s growing role as a reliable defence partner, exemplified by recent contributions such as the gifting of patrol boats like PB Boudeuse and machinery spares to the Seychelles Coast Guard and Air Force. SIDE-2025 takes this cooperation a step further by fostering direct industry-to-military dialogue, paving the way for potential equipment acquisitions and joint ventures.
For Seychelles, a nation reliant on maritime security to safeguard its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and combat threats like piracy and illegal fishing, India’s defence offerings hold immense value. The presence of senior SDF officers at the seminar signals keen interest in exploring Indian solutions, which are often cost-effective and tailored to regional challenges. The virtual presentations highlighted technologies that could enhance Seychelles’ operational capabilities, from coastal surveillance systems to lightweight drones, aligning with the SDF’s modernization goals.
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