New Delhi, Jul 19 (ANI): Defence Minister AK Antony, who is on a two day trip to Seychelles, has agreed to provide one new Dornier and two Chetak helicopters for maritime surveillance at the earliest.
Although the normal delivery time taken by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is 18 to 24 months, Antony said: "New Delhi will try to supply the aircraft in 15 months. During this period, India will provide one of her in-service Dornier Aircraft to carry out maritime surveillance."
Agreeing to a request from the Seychellois side, he said India will help them to carry out Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance as frequently as possible.
Antony also said that the Indian Navy will also make additional visits this year to conduct surveillance and hydrographic survey, and added that India will help Seychelles in capacity building of their armed forces.
Concerned over the increasing reach of the pirates, he said the problem of piracy in the Gulf of Aden affects all countries of the world.
"This is a problem which calls for cooperation among all countries. The Indian Ocean links us all and is critical for our economic interests. We must cooperate to ensure peace and stability in this region," Antony added.
Antony held a series of meetings with President James Alix Michel, Vice President Danny Faure, Home Minister Joel Morgan and Foreign Minister Jean Paul Adam in Mahe. (ANI)
|
|
Comments:
