SOURCE: AFI
In a significant step toward bolstering maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), India formally handed over the Indian Coast Guard Interceptor Boat C-449 to the Seychelles Coast Guard on February 26, 2025. The vessel, now commissioned as Patrol Boat (PB) Boudeuse, was presented during a ceremony presided over by Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan, underscoring the deepening defense partnership between the two nations. This handover marks the fifth Made-in-India patrol boat gifted to Seychelles, reinforcing India’s commitment to its “Security and Growth for All in the Region” (SAGAR) vision, championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The event, held at the Seychelles Coast Guard base on Île Perseverance, highlighted the strong bilateral ties between India and Seychelles, a strategically located archipelago in the western Indian Ocean. The PB Boudeuse, an advanced interceptor craft designed for coastal defense and surveillance, enhances Seychelles’ ability to patrol its vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and tackle emerging threats such as piracy, illegal fishing, and drug trafficking. With a top speed exceeding 45 knots and a robust design tailored for rapid response, the vessel is a valuable addition to the Seychelles Coast Guard’s fleet.
President Ramkalawan, who also serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Seychelles Defence Forces, lauded India’s consistent support in strengthening his country’s maritime capabilities. The ceremony, attended by senior officials from both nations, symbolized a shared commitment to regional stability amid growing asymmetric and non-conventional challenges in the IOR, including the expanding influence of external powers like China.
The handover aligns seamlessly with India’s SAGAR initiative, unveiled by Prime Minister Modi in 2015 during a visit to Seychelles. SAGAR emphasizes a collaborative approach to maritime security, economic growth, and sustainable development across the IOR. By gifting PB Boudeuse, India reaffirms its role as a net security provider, fostering partnerships with littoral states to counter threats that transcend national boundaries.
The Indian Ocean has witnessed a surge in non-traditional security challenges, from piracy and smuggling to climate-induced disruptions. Seychelles, positioned near vital Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOC), plays a critical role in this ecosystem, making its partnership with India strategically vital. The PB Boudeuse, built by Larsen & Toubro at its Kattupalli shipyard in Tamil Nadu, exemplifies India’s growing prowess in defense manufacturing and its dedication to sharing resources with friendly nations.
PB Boudeuse is the fifth patrol vessel India has gifted to Seychelles, following a lineage that began in 2005. Previous donations include PS Topaz (2005), PS Constant (2014), Patrol Boat Hermes (2016), and PS Zoroaster (2021), the latter valued at ?100 crore and handed over during a virtual summit between Modi and Ramkalawan. Over 50% of Seychelles’ maritime assets now originate from India, a testament to the enduring partnership.
This latest contribution builds on a history of defense cooperation that also includes the gifting of aircraft like Dornier and Chetak helicopters, as well as capacity-building initiatives such as joint patrols and training programs. India’s High Commissioner to Seychelles, Kartik Pande, emphasized that the interceptor boat would enhance Seychelles’ operational reach, enabling it to safeguard its waters more effectively.
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