India's Missile Test Gets Muted Response from Obama's National Security Team

One week after sharply condemning North Korea's rocket launch, the White House on Thursday declined to explicitly criticize India for testing a potent missile with the range to carry a nuclear payload to China.

"We understand that India tested an Agni V ballistic missile," said National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor in a statement emailed to Yahoo News. "We urge all nuclear-capable states to exercise restraint regarding nuclear and missile capabilities, and continue to discourage actions that might destabilize the South Asia region."

Washington regards India, the world's most populous democracy, as a critical U.S. partner but views secretive North Korea as a dangerous rogue state. Still, Vietor's comments reflected American concerns about the frequently tense rivalry between India and neighbor Pakistan.

When asked about the planned test, State Department spokesman Mark Toner on Wednesday highlighted the "very strong strategic and security partnership with India." He also added that "India has a solid nonproliferation record," implicitly contrasting India with North Korea, which regularly tops Washington's list of countries suspected of selling weapons know-how to the highest bidder.
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/OTUS/indias-missile-test-muted-response-obamas-national-security/story?id=16172231

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/20/world/asia/india-says-it-successfully-tests-nuclear-capable-missile.html?_r=1

http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/330604/20120419/india-nuclear-test-missile-china-pakistan-singh.htm

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/video/2012/apr/19/india-tests-nuclear-missile-video

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India_and_weapons_of_mass_destruction

President James Michel’s state visit to India

27-August-2015
President Michel gets red carpet welcome

President James Michel’s three-day state visit to India began with a ceremonial red carpet welcome in the forecourt of the imposing Rashtrapati Bhavan where he inspected a guard of honour and was given a 21-gun salute.

During a meeting yesterday with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it was announced that India will gift Seychelles an Interceptor Coastguard boat and a second Dornier aircraft.

The Seychelles President was received at the gates of Rashtrapati Bhavan by a cavalcade of the President’s bodyguards dressed in bright red with contrasting blue turbans.

Upon his arrival at the forecourt, Mr Michel was received by the Indian President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He was escorted to the saluting dais as the national anthems of Seychelles and India played.

President Michel then inspected a guard of honour before President Mukherjee introduced him to the Cabinet Ministers and other dignitaries.



Mr Michel also paid his respects to civil rights icon Mahatma Gandhi by laying a large white wreath at the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi.



The president threw rose petals at Raj Ghat, the memorial for India's independence icon in New Delhi, and signed the visitors’ book.




Mr Michel then met Indian Prime Minister Modi in the Deccan Suite of the Hyderabad House for a restricted meeting followed by a working lunch.

This was followed by an exchange of agreements ceremony in the Ball Room of the Deccan Suite (see separate story).

Yesterday, President Michel also met Indian Minister for Defence Manohar Parrikar, Indian Minister for Finance Arun Jaitely and Minister of State for External Affairs V. K. Singh.

Last night, Indian President Mukherjee hosted a Presidential banquet at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in honour of President Michel.

President Michel arrived in India on Tuesday on a three-day visit and is being accompanied by a high-level delegation. Besides Minister Morgan, the other members of the delegation include the Minister for Finance, Trade and the Blue Economy, Jean-Paul Adam. A business delegation is also accompanying the president.

This is the third state visit of President Michel to India. The two previous ones were in 2005 and 2010. President Michel also took part in the Delhi Sustainable Development Summits in 2011 and 2012.



Text and photos by Gerard Govinden in Delhi

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=246581

President James Michel’s state visit to India - India to gift Seychelles naval boat, aircraft

27-August-2015


India will gift Seychelles an Interceptor Coastguard boat and a second Dornier aircraft.

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi said this yesterday in a statement at the end of a restricted meeting with President James Michel who is on a three-day state visit in India.

The meeting was followed by the signing of five agreements. Seychelles’ Foreign Affairs and Transport Minister Joël Morgan and Indian Environment, Forests and Climate Change Minister Prakash Javadekar exchanged the documents for the five agreements inked by the two countries to strengthen their ties.

The five documents relate to the exchange of information with regard to taxes; a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for providing one Dornier maritime aircraft; an air services agreement; a protocol on framework of cooperation on blue economy; an MoU in agricultural research and education.

Prime Minister Modi and President Michel witnessed the agreements signing at Hyderabad House.



There was also a presentation of navigational chart of the island of Aldabra to Minister Morgan.

Mr Modi termed Seychelles a key strategic partner for India and said President Michel's visit has imparted additional momentum to bilateral relations.

President Michel said, in his media statement, his visit to India within five months of Prime Minister Modi's visit to Seychelles "illustrates the unique relationship the two have on shared values and aspirations".

He expressed his joy to be back in India to feel the heartbeat of the world’s largest democracy and the modern economic dynamism of a nation which is an inspiration to all.

“My visit comes barely five months after the memorable and fruitful visit of Prime Minister Modi to Seychelles in March of this year. It illustrates the unique and special relationship that our two countries share, based on our shared values and aspirations. It is a relationship which is strategic, historical, multi-faceted and longstanding,” said President Michel.

He said both Seychelles and India have common goals in the Indian Ocean Rim Association and that the agreements inked yesterday would pave the way for enhancement of bilateral ties.

He added that the vibrant Indian community in Seychelles which is part and parcel of the long history of our country and which shapes our common destiny is a catalyst in bolstering this strategic partnership and our convergent bilateral interests.

“Our common goals in the Indian Ocean and the importance we attach to the strengthening of our only pan Indian Ocean organisation, the Indian Ocean Rim Association, have also been of critical importance in imparting both substance and momentum to our relationship. This visit and my extremely fruitful and constructive discussions with Prime Minister Modi have reinforced my conviction in the strength and importance of this partnership,” said President Michel, who noted that the agreements signed have paved the way for the enhancement of bilateral relations between the two countries.

He expressed appreciation for the Dornier aircraft, which he said would significantly enhance security of his country.

Mr Michel said Seychelles has expressed willingness to be a partner in the maritime security cooperation between India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

“We are pleased to have India as a partner in the development of our Blue Economy. Our cooperation in this field gives us the chance to build economic opportunities while also sustaining future generations.

“Prime Minister Modi and I have underscored the need for a more comprehensive and significant economic partnership in terms of trade, investment and related activities. We want it to be a partnership which drives economic growth, wealth and prosperity for our two nations,” noted the President.

In his statement, Prime Minister Modi announced the gifting of an Interceptor Coastguard boat and a second Dornier aircraft to Seychelles.

"We are honoured to be a partner in providing aircraft, naval vessels and coastal radar systems for strengthening surveillance capacities. Our cooperation in hydrography surveys is extensive and growing," said Prime Minister Modi who had met President Michel in Seychelles in March this year.

"In March, I announced that we would gift a second Dornier aircraft to Seychelles. I am pleased that we have completed the process quickly and signed the agreement today (yesterday)," added Mr Modi.

He said it is always a great pleasure to welcome home a special friend, which President Michel certainly is.

“I am also delighted to reciprocate President Michel’s exceptional hospitality in March, this year. He has led his country with great vision. He is a strong global voice of concern on climate change, especially for small island countries.

“Excellency, just as we appreciate your country’s beauty, we admire your nation’s progress. Let me repeat what I said in Seychelles: Your country shows that size is no barrier to the scale of achievements. President Michel has also been instrumental for the progress in our relationship. We value this greatly because Seychelles is a key strategic partner for India,” Mr Modi said.

He termed the agreement for cooperation on Blue economy as a "huge step forward" in ties and in promoting sustainable ocean economy in the region.

Mr Modi said both sides look forward to cooperating in space, including in the areas of managing land and marine resources, fisheries advisory, weather forecasting and disaster management.

"We have begun preparations for infrastructure development on the Assumption island in Seychelles," Mr Modi said.

He said the air services agreement inked yesterday would enable more and easier connections between the two countries.

With the climate change summit in Paris, France in December, Mr Modi said climate change is a serious threat to island countries like Seychelles. "With a shoreline of 7,500km and nearly 1,300 islands, India has similar concerns."

Prime Minister Modi proposed that both could "work together for a comprehensive, balanced and effective outcome on climate change at COP 21 in Paris later this year".

He expressed appreciation for Seychelles' support for India's candidature for permanent membership of an expanded UN security council.

He also conveyed India's "desire to work with small island developing states to realise their vision of Samoa Pathway and to be a source of strength for each other in international forums".

He also thanked Seychelles for its support in making the International Day of Yoga a big success.



Text and photos Gerard Govinden in Delhi

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=246580

End of President James Michel’s three-day state visit to India

Seychelles a key strategic partner for India, says President Michel India has always and will remain an important and key strategic partner for Seychelles and we need the... Read More

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=246607

Mancham accepts to write foreword to book on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=246605

2nd India Day photo competition launched
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=246606

Comment - End of President James Michel’s three-day state visit to India
Mancham accepts to write foreword to book on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
"Many instance former President Mancham have indicated we are not diplomatic enough - President J A Michel comporting like/as those who steal the vegetable of those poor planters in Mauritius - meaning other strive, endeavors and he and his lot they cream off - abscond with other ideas and promote as their/his"

May of you will say we are just a pussycat.

We have been addressing the BRICS debacle and China current woes/situation - the attitude and approach of the vast majority of you encourages corruption and when it affects you - your respective reactions.

Nobody is bold/brave enough to address the plight of the Indian Merchants and many other during the One party system - President FA Rene is still alive. What really changed the fate of the Indian Merchants in that Sechelles Seychelles.

Part of that SIROP program was the WWW/CERN, the state of India Economy prior to the arrival of the WWW - it is good to have academic discussions our people have to Travel to India to learn to debate and discuss. The Indian nation praise itself as a nation of Peace and Democracy - When other do good to you the need to appreciate and we are talking of the Indian Nation - without the WWW where they would have been today.

Having worked such issues, not just with India Benefiting other global issues - how we became involved in the mega Steel Acquisition by the mighty Indian Family - PM Blair among other involved.

What about the acquisition of Jaguar by the other important Indian Family, what was at play. It was not J A Michel or FA Rene. "The many small Indian merchants/shopkeepers know of the importance and value of Goodwill and maintaining goodwill." The same practice at high corporate level and nation level.

For many years we have been involved in the process of contributing to the Gandhi family political issues - form a much more complex complicated approach - again in India those at the time well aware and once you have worked/impute in a topic how it/they are supposed to remember/take due note.

We have been monitoring and following the arrival of the new Indian PM and his visit to Mauritius - much more a supposed very matured and experience person like former President J R Mancham - the forward he is expected to write. It is not proper and civilized that when an entity have the capacity to influence the election process, and outcome of an Election in India, the person who get elected forget that this process exist. Which was the case of the last Indian election. We live and function in a world specially the Indian ocean where the dynamic of nation's working have become so interconnected. Yet those who will continue as if we are still living back in stone/or caveman age. "The/this approach cause friction, malfunction and bad working relations. At time /instance much worse".

However modest the power to communicate via Facebook - we thank Facebook for its existence/resources it provides even if just one person get to read at least somebody else who the other version of things.

Interview with President James Michel at the end of his three-day state visit to India

31-August-2015
‘Seychelles’ ties with India built on mutual trust and on shared values’
Seychelles and India have historical and cultural links and a lot more in common, this is why it is important to reinforce the already healthy relations and pave the way for greater partnership in different areas between both countries based on mutual respect.

President James Michel said this on Thursday in an interview with the local media at the end of a three-day state visit to India at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"It has been a very successful visit as it shows the excellent ties and friendship between India and Seychelles, which will keep growing and developing.

“All my state and official visits to India have been fruitful. Since gaining our independence, India has always been a key strategic partner for us. India shares our vision of putting people at the heart of development and cares for the development of Seychelles and all Seychellois. We also share the same views on international politics and on development in the region. Both our countries recognise the need to bring our economies closer, to drive more growth and create opportunities for entrepreneurs of both nations and wealth for its peoples.

“India likes what the Seychelles government is doing in terms of security in Seychelles and in the Indian Ocean region. The success of the macro-economic reforms and the fact that many more Seychellois are working hard to help our economy grow are all things that interest India who wants to see a stable and prosperous Indian Ocean region. India also likes that there is stability in Seychelles brought about by my government and it wants to continue working with us in the years to come,” said the President.

He added: “India is a close friend of Seychelles, there is great potential to spur greater trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchanges between both countries. Seychelles’ relationship with India has been built on the foundation of mutual trust and shared values. Our strong, multifaceted and important relationship with India occupies a very important place in our foreign policy. We have longstanding bilateral relations based on our commitment to sustainable development.”

The President noted that Seychelles is working with India, a very big country, to reinforce security in the Indian Ocean region in order to help in the development of the Blue Economy concept being pioneered by Seychelles.

Five agreements signed
It is in this line that the two countries signed five agreements which will go a long way in strengthening the ties between them.

The five documents relate to the exchange of information with regard to taxes; a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for providing one Dornier maritime aircraft; an air services agreement; a protocol on framework of cooperation on Blue economy; a MoU in agricultural research and education.

“The signing of these agreements is very important as it consolidates the work our two countries have been doing. For example, under the air services agreement Air Seychelles will be making daily flights to India and it allows other Indian airline companies to fly to Seychelles. More Indian tourists will come to Seychelles and as Seychelles is developing into a hub in the Indian Ocean we expect other visitors to make a stop in Seychelles before taking onward flights to Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritius, South Africa and soon the Comoros,” said President Michel.

According to Air Seychelles, in May this year it signed and expanded a codeshare agreement with Jet Airways to nine cities in India. This deal provides business and leisure travellers with convenient, one-stop connections to Seychelles from Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Cochin and Trivandrum.

Tickets between Mumbai and Seychelles cost 33,000 Indian rupees inclusive of all taxes.

“The blue economy is important to India and Seychelles and there should be regular discussions so that both countries can think together and work together and develop better concepts,” said President Michel when he spoke about the protocol on framework of cooperation on the Blue economy.

“We have to work together and see how to develop the Blue economy to areas that can benefit both our countries. India is reputed to have good scientists and we will work with them to develop the Blue economy concept in a sustainable way,” said President Michel.

He explained that through the agreement in agriculture India will help Seychelles in the use of new technology to become self-sufficient.
Although this does not form part of the agreement, it is expected that with direct flights daily to India this will help boost trade as we can import cheaper and quality goods from India.

The agreement on tax information exchange “will make things more transparent and give Seychelles more credibility”, said President Michel.

“With this in place, Indian investors who wish to invest in Seychelles will know they will be operating in a competitive jurisdiction. India has also signed a number of anti-money laundering documents with its international partners. We also hope to sign double taxation agreements with India in the future,” explained President Michel who added that the Indian diaspora is playing a big role in the Seychelles economy and its presence in the delegation for the visit to India was very important.

“They form part of the Seychelles community as they play a part in different sectors of our economy like tourism, building and commerce. They have made a lot of contacts with Indian businesses and this will help boost our economy,” noted Mr Michel.

Maritime security to develop the blue economy
Developing the blue economy goes hand in hand with maritime security and this is why India will be giving Seychelles a Dornier maritime aircraft which will be delivered next year and a new surveillance patrol boat.

“Both Seychelles and India control vast maritime spaces. Maritime security is very important to stop illegal fishing, transnational crimes like trafficking of narcotics, human and arms as they are threats to security in the region. We have been able to put the piracy scourge under control but we never know if it may reappear some day. With a lot of resources, India has been helping Seychelles a lot. India also believes in Seychelles’ capacity to defend its exclusive economic zone. The arrival of the Dornier aircraft and the surveillance boat will also provide more opportunities for young male and female Seychellois to join the navy to continue defending our EEZ,” said the President.

He added that everywhere you go in the world people are talking about the Blue economy and this is thanks to Seychelles which has brought it to all the international fora.

India is also developing a radar surveillance system and the first of three phases has already completed. This will give Seychelles a better coverage of its territory to combat any crime being committed. An Indian delegation will be coming to Seychelles to see how it can collect information and give early warnings in case of bad weather.

Speaking on the agreement on Assumption Island, on which India has begun the process of infrastructure work, President Michel said India is developing the island and he clarified that Seychelles has not leased the island to India and that it was a joint project for collaboration to "survey and have maritime presence and safeguard that part of our ocean".


http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=246621

Seychelles-India Day 2015 launched amid top class entertainment

03-October-2015



The Seychelles-India Day 2015 was officially launched last night at the International Conference Centre (ICCS) amid top class entertainment by India’s and even world renowned artists.

Guests of honour at the launch were President James Michel and Vice-President Danny Faure who were both honoured by the Seychelles-India Day organising committee. They were both decorated with symbolic scarf and given a commemorative plaque.

Tourism and Culture Minister Alain St Ange and Indian high commissioner Sanjay Panda were also honoured by the chairman of the organising committee Ramu Pillay.

Also present were Designated Minister Vincent Meriton, other ministers, high government officials and members of the Indian community.

In his address for the occasion Minister St Ange commended the presence of the president at the official opening which he said demonstrates to Seychelles and to the world of culture that he (the president) cares about culture.

He also remarked that President Michel has been present at all celebrations of the five cultures that make the Seychellois people.

He expressed his pride for the realisation of his dream of having another event that commemorates one of the five branches of the Seychellois culture – the Seychelles-India Day. The others are the British Commonwealth; the French Francophonie; the Seychelles-China Day and the FetAfrik.

Referring to a popular song meaning ‘victory’ to be performed by a famous Indian artist A. R Rahman, who is referred to as the Mozart of Madras, Minister St Ange said if there is one victory Seychelles has done is to remain focused in being the melting pot of cultures that has today become an example to the world.
The minister also had a key message for the occasion:

“While we live as this melting pot of cultures, as we live as this united group of people that makes us who we are, the Seychellois people, we must never forget one key message that we pass to the world at every trade fair, at every tourism forum – Seychelles is the safest place – We are safe because we can live in harmony with everybody. Everybody’s at home. Everybody can feel at home and everybody’s welcome because Seychelles under the leadership of President Michel has done one thing: we remain friends of all and enemies to none.”

As for HC Panda he described the official opening of Seychelles-India Day as another magical and landmark moment during this year after remarkable and high level diplomatic movements between the two countries.

“What better way to celebrate this mutual friendship than through music and dance,” said the Indian high commissioner.

He added that what started two years ago, referring to the first Seychelles-India Day, has blossomed into a beautiful tree.

Mr Panda also paid tribute to Mahatma Ghandi whose birthday was also yesterday. This day is celebrated as the international non-violence day.

Mr Pillay, the chairman of the organising committee, said the Seychelles-India Day programme this year has been organised to make the activities more attractive. He also noted that Indians make significant contributions to the economic and social culture of Seychelles.

He described Seychelles as a melting pot of cultures and unique in many ways.

The accompanying photos taken by our photographer Louis Toussaint show highlights of the launch ceremony.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=246985

Seychelles-India Day celebrations October 2-5
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=246983

Seychelles-India Day 2015 brings food and fun fair to Victoria
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=246982

Message by the High Commissioner of India H.E. Mr Sanjay Panda

26-January-2016
India and Seychelles, models of ‘unity in diversity’

Mr PandaOn the occasion of the 67th Republic Day of India, I convey my greetings and best wishes to all Indian nationals, Seychellois of Indian origin and all friends of India in Seychelles.
It was on the 26th day of November 1949 that the newly adopted Constitution of India proclaimed India a Republic, and exactly two months later on the 26th day of January 1950 the country celebrated its first Republic Day. On this special day, 1.3 billion Indians in India and over 30 million Indian diaspora the world over pay tributes to the founding fathers of the Indian Constitution who echoed the sentiments of every Indian in declaring “We the people of India having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a Sovereign Democratic Republic……”.
On this day we salute the visionaries who conceived of an India that respects human values and democratic ideals while moving on the path of progress and prosperity.
It is befitting that today we remember the principal architect of our Constitution, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, whose birth centenary we celebrate this year. As chairman of India’s Constituent Assembly that drafted this historic document, Dr Ambedkar ensured that alongside political freedom and rule of law, the infant democracy should ensure socio-economic equality across all strata of society. By enshrining Gandhian values in the Constitution, he ensured that these ideals remain embedded through generations as India surges ahead towards democracy and pluralism.
On the 66th anniversary of our Republic Day, it is now time to introspect whether we have attained what visionaries like Mahatma Gandhi and Dr Ambedkar dreamt for India and the Indians. On a candid note, we are moving in the right direction but still not quite there. Looking back, the world’s largest democracy has not been completely immune to the environment of hatred and violence that the world and the humanity at large confront today.
The scourge of terrorism continues to threaten the philosophy of peaceful coexistence that Mahatma Gandhi espoused and practised throughout his living years as part of his twin doctrine of Truth and Non-violence. But for a resilient India, there is light at the end of the tunnel. For a young country in its 60s, it is left to the young Indians under the age of 25, who comprise more than half the total population, to lead us to our destination.
There is also a bright ray of hope from the global Indians, particularly the youth, who are progressively reaching out to their country of origin. It is equally a matter of immense pride that the world is now seriously looking towards India and embracing Gandhian values in search for world peace and universal brotherhood.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=248217

Indian association takes part in 67th Republic Day of India
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=248216

Indians celebrate 67th Republic Day with honour

28-January-2016

Guests interacting during the reception


The Indian community in Seychelles came together on Tuesday night at the International Conference Centre (ICCS) to commemorate the 67th Republic Day of India.
Though India became a free nation on August 15, 1947, it declared itself a sovereign, democratic and republic state with the adoption of the Constitution on January 26, 1950. A 21-gun salute and the unfurling of the Indian national flag by Dr Rajendra Prasad heralded the historic birth of the Indian Republic Day. Thereafter January 26 was decreed a national holiday and was recognised as the Republic Day of India.
The activities to commemorate the day here on Tuesday evening were organised by the Indian high commission and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.
Present at the ceremony were the Minister for Social Affairs, Community Development and Sports Vincent Meriton, the Minister for Investment, Entrepreneurship Development and Business Innovation Michael Benstrong, the Indian high commissioner Sanjay Panda, the chairperson of the Indian Association of Seychelles Ramu Pillay, among other guests.
Minister Meriton stated that the Seychelles-India relationship is built on conviction and friendship.
“Seychelles will always consider its relationship with India as one that is based on trust and friendship. Over the years, we have witnessed India’s unwavering commitment in helping us to achieve our development goals, especially when it comes to our shared vision of putting our people at the centre of development,” he said.
He added that India has played a key role in building the Seychelles that we see today. This is through technical assistance, grants, lines of credit and numerous donations such as the new interceptor boat named Hermes.
“This new boat will allow us to increase our maritime security capability. We would like to note that this donation came at a very crucial time when we are fighting against drug trafficking, human smuggling and illegal fishing,” the minister pointed out.
High Commissioner Panda talked about the history of India, and the great bond that ties Seychelles to India.
He recalled the visit last year to Seychelles by the Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi and also the visit of President James Michel to India.
The highlight of the ceremony on Tuesday evening was a dance performance by famous dancer Emelee Ghosh. She specialises in the kathak dance form.
Kathak is the major classical dance of northern India. The word kathak means ‘to tell a story’. These bards, performing in village squares and temple courtyards, mostly specialised in recounting mythological and moral tales from the scriptures, and embellished their recitals with hand gestures and facial expressions.
All the other artists who also performed on the night were honoured by Minister Meriton, Mr Pillay, High Commissioner Panda and two members of the Indian association.
There was also the traditional lighting of the lamp and a fashion show by children demonstrating the different states of India.
Before the ceremony at the ICCS there was a small reception at the Sea Front Restaurant where guests interacted in an informal way with each other. Present were former President James Mancham, the British high commissioner Caron Röhsler, among other guests.


http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=248234

Seychelles and India in joint military training


Seychelles and India will be undertaking its annual military training dubbed ‘Lamitye-2016’ (Friendship), which involves lectures, demonstrations and practice sessions.
The exercise falls within the framework of an agreed joint programme to share useful experiences and to improve the two forces’ ability to inter-operate and communicate.
The two-week training programme has been specifically designed to meet the requirements of the Seychelles People’s Defence Force’s (SPDF) special forces.
The joint exercise was officially launched by the chief of staff of the SPDF Lieutenant Colonel Michael Rosette during a short ceremony yesterday at the Seychelles Defence Academy (SDA) on South East Island.
Also present at the ceremony were the chief of defence forces Brigadier Leopold Payet, commanding officers of the SPDF and other senior officers of both forces.
In his address to launch the exercise, Lt Col. Rosette said such exercise will make the relationship between Seychelles and India stronger.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=248428

SPTC gears up for arrival of 34 new buses

24-February-2016

The Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) has confirmed that 29 new buses will arrive on March 10 and five others in April this year.
This follows the announcement late last year of the introduction of new buses to the company’s fleet.
While most of the buses will be incorporated in the Mahé-based fleet, some of the buses will go to the Praslin Transport Company (PTC).
Recently, SPTC’s chief executive Geffy Zialor along with engineers from SPTC visited India for final inspection of the TATA buses.
The 50 and 40-seaters have more or less the same features as the existing buses in the SPTC fleet.
“The new buses will further improve service delivery which is an SPTC priority. In addition this move is aimed at replacing aged buses in the fleet to address complaints from commuters and drivers alike,” a press release from the company says.
The 34 buses, financed under a grant from the Indian government, has cost slightly over R22 million.
During the course of this year another 30 new buses will be added to the SPTC fleet and as part of its on-going fleet replacement plan, Seychelles’ largest public transport company will introduce 105 new buses to its fleet between 2016 and 2018.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=248525

This is the price/consequence of applying the so call West media benchmark - those and in this case our person reasonable important role under then Labour government of PM Blair/Chancellor Gordon Brown in getting TATA interested to acquire the British Steel - what the process is all about and requirement - the media attributing and so call experts - to prove the point specially with TATA - we pulled back and allowed the great experts to run the show and just look at the situation. we are coming forward with these information not because of TATA and the corrupted business entities, but - the workers who will have to pay. Them block headed lot in that Seychelles. They should get/call on the Blue Economy to save them and President J A Michel.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-35923626

UK industry rocked as Tata confirms plan to offload steel business
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/03/30/uk-industry-rocked-as-tata-confirms-plan-to-offload-steel-busine/

UK minister: 'temporary ownership' of steel industry is an option - business live
http://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2016/mar/30/uk-government-steel-industry-tata-port-talbot-business-live

Indian community in Seychelles marks India’s Independence Day

16-August-2016

A large group of Indian nationals living and working in Seychelles yesterday morning gathered at India House, Au Cap for a flag-raising ceremony to commemorate their 70th Independence Day anniversary.
Following the flag-raising, Indian high commissioner Sanjay Panda read extracts of Indian President Pranab Mukherjee’s address to the Indian nation in which he extended “warm greetings to all brothers and sisters in India and abroad”.
“As we celebrate our seventieth Independence Day, I respectfully bow to the heroes of our independence struggle – known and unknown – who fought, suffered and sacrificed their lives to win freedom for us. Mahatma Gandhi's luminous leadership finally made the British quit India in 1947. When we gained independence in 1947, nobody believed that India will survive as a democracy. Yet, seven decades later, one and a quarter billion Indians with all their diversity have proved those forecasts wrong. The strong edifice of democracy built by our founding fathers on the four pillars of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity has withstood several threats from both within and without and has grown from strength to strength,” President Mukherjee said in his message.
Mr Panda took the opportunity to also extend good wishes to all Indians living and working in Seychelles and commended them for the good work they are doing which is contributing to the economic development and growth of Seychelles.
He also commended them for fostering the good relations between Seychelles and India.
The celebrations continued yesterday evening with an official gathering at the Kempinski Resort.
As part of the celebrations, a cultural show was also organised on Sunday evening at the International Conference Centre (ICCS).

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=250629

Message by the High Commissioner of India H.E. Mr Sanjay Panda on the occasion of the 70th Independence Day of India

16-August-2016




‘India takes immense pride in celebrating its close ties of friendship with Seychelles’

On the occasion of the 70th Independence Day of India, I convey my greetings and best wishes to all Indian nationals, people of Indian origin and friends of India in Seychelles.
At the stroke of midnight on the 15th day of August 1947, as the Union Jack was lowered and the Tricolour was unfurled, it signaled the birth of a new sovereign nation. An independent India ushered in dreams and hopes of millions for a better life – a life bereft of hunger, poverty and depravity. As we look back, it has been a fascinating journey. Today, India proudly stands tall among the comity of nations, not only as the world’s largest democracy but also as the fastest growing market economy.
On this special day, we in India take immense pride in celebrating our close ties of friendship with the Republic of Seychelles that has stood the test of time. As we commemorate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations this year, it is time to look back at the journey that we jointly embarked on in 1976, which has grown from strength to strength, culminating in a mutually beneficial strategic partnership. As maritime neighbours, we speak in the same voice in the international fora and articulate shared concerns on global challenges confronting us, ranging from terrorism to climate change. Our strategic convergence in the Indian Ocean region has also translated bilaterally in building over the years an elaborate architecture of defence and security cooperation.
As our ties further deepen, our bilateral engagement has also diversified across a broad spectrum focusing in particular on enhanced trade and investment, and people-to-people contacts. The exchange of visits at the highest level last year has provided an unprecedented momentum to our relations that has manifested in the signing of as many as nine agreements/MoUs encompassing cooperation in diverse areas, ranging from maritime security and hydrography to agriculture, renewable energy and the Blue Economy. Introduction of gratis visa and online visa under e-TV scheme for Seychellois nationals, and expansion of the frequency of Air Seychelles operations to India along with code-share arrangements to nine domestic destinations in India have opened up trade and investment opportunities, besides providing a new impetus to tourism exchanges.
A major defining attribute of India-Seychelles relationship is our development partnership that has indeed been exemplary. Transcending the traditional cooperation between our two countries in the field of capacity building and human resource development, the development partnership has also manifested itself in other areas, notably health, education, transport, renewable energy, etc. Seychelles has been a significant beneficiary of grants offered by the Government of India during the current year.
In the health sector, a grant amount of US $8 million is earmarked for release this year for supply of essential medicines and medical equipment to the Seychelles Hospital. Out of this, cash grant of over US $5 million has been released so far, including an emergency supply of medicines that was airlifted by a special Indian Air Force aircraft in February this year. In support of the drug rehabilitation programme launched by the Government of Seychelles, a consignment of 45,000 Naltrexone tablets funded under the Indian grant is expected to be delivered shortly. Notable among the other grant projects, either implemented this year or in the pipeline, are procurement of 34 new TATA buses to replace the ageing SPTC fleet, supply of stationery and IT equipment to schools, installation of solar home panels, and miscellaneous police supplies including uniforms, vehicles and specialised equipment/chemicals.
During the last two years that I have been in Seychelles, I have always admired the unity in diversity and the cultural synthesis that remind me of the Indian ethos. The popularity of Seychelles-India Day and the decision by the Government of Seychelles last week to declare it as a ‘National Event’ are endorsement of the depth and appreciation of Indian culture in this country. The spectacular success of the 2nd International Day of Yoga last June reflects the universal appeal of this great Indian tradition. An important component of this cultural melting pot that Seychelles represents is the Seychellois Indian community, to which I salute for making the country of their origin proud by contributing to the prosperity of their adopted country.
As India and Seychelles reinforce their ties as natural partners, I convey on this Independence Day my best wishes to all those who have contributed to the process.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=250627

India’s 70th Independence Day anniversary

17-August-2016
Indians and Seychellois join in celebrations

Several ministers, high government officials, members of the judiciary and of the diplomatic corps among other guests on Monday evening joined Indian diplomats, nationals doing business, living and working in Seychelles in celebrations to mark India’s 70th Independence Day anniversary.
This was at a special gala evening at the Kempinski Resort at Baie Lazare.
The celebrations started with the Indian high commissioner Sanjay Panda and designated Minister Vincent Meriton lighting the Indian traditional lamp.
This was followed by addresses from Mr Panda and Foreign Affairs and Transport Minister Joel Morgan respectively following which both dignitaries raised toasts to the good health of both countries’ leaders, prosperity, progress , well-being and friendship of our two peoples.
Addressing guests at the event Minister Morgan said Seychelles is proud to have India as one of its key development partners.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=250648

Arrival of first Indian settlers to Seychelles remembered

18-August-2016


In 1770, the first French settlement was established on the island of Mahé. The party consisted of 15 white colonists, seven slaves and five Indians.
The month of August is a very important month whereby we celebrate the lives of the first group of Indians to make it to the shores of Seychelles which had since then contributed immensely towards the socio-economic of the small island state of Seychelles.
To commemorate the 246th anniversary of the arrival of the first Indian settlers to Seychelles, a ceremony was organised at the National Library yesterday morning.
Among guests present were the Minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St Ange, the principal secretary for culture Benjamine Rose, the Indian high commissioner to Seychelles Sanjay Panda and the chairperson of the Indian Association of Seychelles Ramu Pillay.
In his opening remarks Mr Pillay stated that the first Indian settlers arrived in Seychelles on August 17, 1770.
“As chairman of the Indian Association of Seychelles I have promised that, from this year on, we are going to celebrate this very important anniversary and make it part of our calendar of cultural events. It is very important to remember our connection to the Indian subcontinent and contributions that our Indian forefathers have made to our melting pot Seychellois nation,” he said, adding that the Indians have also contributed to the economy of Seychelles.
“This is an occasion to remember how people of Indian origins have contributed to the development of Seychelles up to this day. It is an occasion to be proud of as a people,” he said.
The first five settlers who included Chary, Moutou, Menate, Corinthe and Domaigne, were among the first French-led party to arrive in Seychelles on August 17, 1770, followed by the first traders and others who came after, many of whom were businessmen. The Creole nation is today primarily made up of the descendants of five groups: French, British, African, Chinese and Indian settlers.
Minister St Ange pointed out that Seychelles and India have been working in partnership for so many years.
“Today we mark the anniversary of the arrival of the first five Indian settlers who set foot in Seychelles in 1770. Seychelles and India have achieved so much in the past years. In the future to come both country will still work together to showcase our melting pot of cultures,” he said.
High commissioner Panda added that such initiative by the Indian association and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture will promote the history of the first Indian settlers in Seychelles.
Last year a ‘Wall of History’ was unveiled at the Seychelles National Cultural Centre to recognise over 50 Seychellois of Indian origin who have made significant contributions to the history, culture and socio-economic development of Seychelles. The names of those individuals, all of whom have since passed away, are engraved on marble slabs.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=250657

Seychelles-India Day 2016 - Photography contest launched

19-August-2016


The Indian Association of Seychelles has launched its third photography competition which starts on August 20 and will go on until September 25, 2016.
This is the first activity for the fourth Seychelles-India Day (SID) which will take place from October 14 to 16.
Details of other proposed activities would be communicated in due course.
The vision of the Seychelles-India Day 2016 organising committee is to get the people to capture the beauty of ‘Paradise Seychelles’ and ‘Incredible India’.
The theme for the competition is ‘Incredible India in Paradise’, the same as for the two previous years.
“We believe in the continuity and brand building of all activities of Seychelles-India Day is very important,” a spokesperson for the organising committee said.
He said the main aim is to portray the beauty of India and Seychelles showcasing people, food, music, dance, sports and culture.
“This will help to promote the bilateral relations between the two countries,” he added.
The competition is open to professional and amateur photographers.
Registration forms can be obtained by emailing seychellesindiaday@gmail or contact
2501054/2501021/2501021/2501014.
Photos must be in JPEG/TIF format submitted on CD or DVD/external storage device or mail mentioning the participant’s name, age and address with a brief description of the photo taken.
Forms will be made available on www.seychellesindiaday.net which can be printed.
The organisers are urging all children, students and the youth in general who are aspiring to be photographers of tomorrow to come forward and take part in this event.
“Today everyone can operate cameras, mobile phones etc and with today’s latest technologies we can all take part,” he said.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=250673

Call of Indian navy ships testimony of friendship

29-August-2016
The call of three Indian navy ships to Port Victoria over the weekend has been described as a HC Panda addressing the guests testimony of friendship and solidarity between Seychelles and India.
The comment was made by both the Minister for Fisheries and Agriculture standing for his Foreign Affairs colleague Joel Morgan, and Indian high commissioner Sanjay Panda.
They were talking on the bridge of the INS Kolkata - the Indian navy’s largest destroyer - on Friday evening where they both toasted to the prosperity of the Indian and Seychellois people.
Part of the Indian navy’s Western Fleet, the INS Kolkata along with the accompanying INS Trikand an INS Aditya had been in Seychelles since Thursday. The visit was part of what the Indian government has named the SAGAR (Security and Growth in the Region) mission. The Indian navy has for the last few years also been taking part in the surveillance of Seychelles’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the framework of a defence cooperation agreement between the two countries.
Other actions have included the involvement of the Indian navy in past National Day parades, involvement of patrol boat ‘Topaz’ in the recent International Fleet Review in India and an interceptor boat offered as a gift to the Seychelles Coast Guard by the Indian government.
Guests on Friday evening included Designated Minister and Minister for Social Affairs, Community Development and Sports Vincent Meriton, Minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St Ange, Supreme Court Judge Durai Karunakaran, members of the diplomatic corps, Attorney General Rony Govinden, deputy Chief of Seychelles Defence Forces Colonel Clifford Roseline, other military officers among other invitees.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=250817

Seychelles Coast Guard in joint military exercise with Indian warships

29-August-2016


The Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG) yesterday took part in a joint military exercise with three visiting Indian Navy vessels.
The three frontline warships of India -- INS Kolkata, INS Trikand and INS Aditya --are under the command of Rear Admiral Ravneet Singh and will be in Seychelles until Sunday.
Speaking to the Seychelles News Agency (SNA) on Friday, Lieutenant Colonel Jean Attala of the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces (SPDF) said the three vessels would take part in a ship boarding exercise with the SCG’s patrol ship, Andromache.
The exercise involved inspection on a boat to see if it is involved in any illegal activity.
“This exercise will be beneficial to both naval forces as they will have a better understanding of each other’s approach and how to coordinate their work better,” said Lt Col. Attala.
The exercise yesterday took place just off Port Victoria.
In a statement to the press earlier last week, the Indian High Commission in Seychelles said the deployment of the Indian Navy ships adds yet another chapter to the strong defence and maritime cooperation between India and Seychelles.
“The Indian Navy has been undertaking biannual deployment towards surveillance of the Seychelles Exclusive Economic Zone in joint operations with the Seychelles Coast Guard for the past few years in pursuance of a Defence Cooperation Agreement between the two countries,” said the statement.
The visit formed part of its two-month-long deployment in the Southern Indian Ocean in line with the Indian government’s vision of ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’ (SAGAR).
One of the ships, INS Kolkata, is the largest destroyer of the Indian Navy and was commissioned in August 2014. The visit over the weekend was her maiden overseas deployment in the Indian Ocean region.
While in Seychelles, the crew also took part in social and charitable activities. Rear Admiral Singh and his accompanying commanding officers also called on several Seychelles top officials.
Defence and maritime security are one of the major fields of cooperation between India and Seychelles, which has been going on since the latter gained independence in 1976.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=250812

Hindu chariot procession in Victoria on Monday

30-August-2016

The Navasakthi Vinayagar temple on Quincy Street, Victoria is organising a colourful chariot procession on Monday evening, September 5, to mark a Hindu religious festival.
The Vinayagar Chathurthi festival is an annual event at all Hindu temples which are presided by deity Lord Vinayagar, who is also called Lord Ganesh.
The chariot procession will start at 7.30pm along the outer courtyard of the temple, covering Quincy Street, Revolution Avenue, Harrison Street and Lodge Street and is expected to last about two hours.
The colourful and lighted chariot, in which the deity sits, will be drawn by devotees to the accompaniment of special traditional Nathaswaram music troupe flown from India.
All along the procession route, sweets will be distributed to the watching public as gifts from devotees.
As in past years, the procession is expected to be an attraction for tourists. In fact, many hotels have been asked to inform their guests of the procession so that tourists can come and watch the colourful spectacle.
The ten days of religious observances started in the Navasakthi Vinayagar temple and one of the main events will be held at Ile Perseverance sea shore on Monday at 10am.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=250830

Interview with Indian celebrity singer Sunidhi Chauhan

08-October-2016
‘I am looking forward to visiting Seychelles and entertaining the people’

Indian celebrity singer Sunidhi ChauhanTop Indian playback singer Sunidhi Chauhan will be performing in Seychelles during the Seychelles-India Day celebration from October 14-16.
Ms Chauhan, who has ruled the top charts with songs like Dhoom Machale, Sheela ki Jawani, Gun Gun Guna, Te Amo, Ishq Sufiyana, started her singing career at the age of four.
The following is an interview with the Indian star who is described by the media in India as the ‘Queen of Item Songs’ and who has recorded songs for Urdu, Oriya, Punjabi, Marathi, Kannada, Tamil, Telegu, Bhojpuri, Bengali, Assamese, Gujurati and Nepali films.

Seychelles NATION: You are expected to be in Seychelles for the Seychelles-India Day 2016. How excited are you for the gala night?
Sunidhi Chauhan: I am very excited because I have never been to Seychelles before. I am looking forward to not only visiting the place but also entertaining the people. So it is going to be a great experience. I have learned such great things about Seychelles. They are beautiful islands. People must go there once in a lifetime. I am very happy that I have been given this opportunity to be there on such a wonderful day – the Seychelles-India Day. It makes it even more special for me.

Seychelles NATION: What can the people of Seychelles expect from you during your visit?
Sunidhi Chauhan: A good performance. A great performance from me and I am looking forward to meeting them all.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=251353

Seychelles India Day: Indian artists thrill crowd with rhythmic performances

17-October-2016


A large crowd turned up at Stad Popiler on Saturday evening for a grand musical show where they were thrilled by rhythmic and colourful performances from well-known Indian artists.
Although the Seychellois public had come down in great numbers to discover what was to be Indian folklore as well as authentic pop music, most of the spectators were Seychellois of Indian origin as well as Indian nationals working in Seychelles: testimony once more of how much they value their culture.
From the stage, although the artists offered mainly modern dances and music, it was evident that they have managed to keep traditional Indian music as the basic of their art.
The highlight of the evening which forced the spectators on their feet and dance in front of the stage was not music, but rather dances. This was in the form of rhythmic and spectacular performances from the RAACK Academy of Dance from Chennai. The troupe of young athletic dancers is known to have performed more than 5,000 times and has trained more than 30,000 Indian dancers!
Other performers included the Anveshana School of performing Arts, Sunidhi Chauhan which has the good reputation of being the “liveliest voice in Bollywood”, Narayan Udit who has in his repertoire more than 25,000 songs and has won a multitude of music and film awards, as well as beautiful singer, actress and model Shibani Dandekar.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=251461

Outgoing Indian HC bids farewell, delivers consignment of medicine to health ministry

http://nation.sc/article.html?id=251674

Indian community in Seychelles pays homage to Jayalalitha

10-December-2016
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=252126

Indian community celebrates Diaspora Day

11-January-2017
• Honours distinguished Seychellois of Indian Origin

The local Indian community on Sunday celebrated the Indian Diaspora day.
The occasion, which is also known as the Non-resident Indian Day or Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa on January 9, 1915 and also the contribution of the Indian Diaspora in the development of India and of the whole world.
The size of the Indian Diaspora is believed to have reached about 30 million – the largest in the world – with most of it living in the United States and the United Arab Emirates. There are currently about 10,000 Indians living in Seychelles, a figure which is considered as important among a local population of 93,000.

http://nation.sc/article.html?id=252509

Indian community celebrates 68th Republic Day
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=252686