Assumption Island not off the table, India announces $100-mn credit to Seychelles

Smita Sharma 

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 25

The Assumption Island project for India to develop a naval base to be shared jointly with Seychelles has not been derailed. Both sides will engage on the proposal bearing in mind mutual sensitivities. 

The project was discussed by PM Narendra Modi and visiting President Danny Faure on Monday despite the Seychelles President reportedly telling his country's media ahead of his India visit that it would not be discussed in formal talks in Delhi.

Prime Minister Modi after formal talks announced that discussions on the Assumption Island ambitious project would continue pending 'a mutually agreeable solution based on respective interests'. And the two countries would work towards a solution to build the base. 

President Faure whose party is in minority in parliament has been forced to not push for ratification of an amended agreement on developing the joint military base because of opposition protests. Faure also assured of the agreement not being derailed. 

"In the context of maritime security Assumption Island was discussed. We are equally engaged and continue to discuss it based on each other's interests," President Faure said.

Meanwhile, India and Seychelles have agreed to enhance their defence cooperation. Prime Minister Modi today announced a $100 million line of credit to the island nation to build its defence capabilities and purchase weapons from India.

"We should ensure maritime security in our coastal areas and Exclusive Economic Zone. India is committed towards strengthening infrastructure building, defence capabilities and capacity building of defence personnel in Seychelles," PM Modi said, adding that, "With this credit, Seychelles will be able to buy defence equipment from India to boost its maritime capacity."

Appreciating India's grant, President Faure said, "We will benefit from a second line of credit that will help with infrastructure of our military defence forces in Seychelles. Through your grant we will build new government house, new police headquarters and new building for the attorney general's office." 

PM Modi also presented a model replica of the surveillance Dornier aircraft to President Faure. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will hand over the Dornier formally at a ceremony in Technical airport in Delhi on Tuesday. The two sides also exchanged six agreements, including Technical Agreement on Sharing White Shipping Information and MoU regarding Indian grant assistance for implementation of small development projects through local bodies, educational and vocational institutes was also signed.