External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday gifted a Dornier aircraft to visiting President of Seychelles Danny Faure at an official ceremony in New Delhi.
(Photo: Twitter/@MEAIndia)
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday gifted a Dornier aircraft to visiting President of Seychelles Danny Faure at an official ceremony in New Delhi. The ceremony, which was also attended by MoS External Affairs VK Singh, was held a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed over the replica of the aircraft to President Faure at the Hyderabad House.
“Proud testimony of our long-standing friendship! On behalf of the people of India, EAM @SushmaSwaraj handed over HAL made Dornier Aircraft Do-228 to President of #Seychelles Danny Faure. The aircraft will enhance surveillance capability of Seychelles to tackle maritime threats,” tweeted MEA spokesperson Ravish Kumar.
“Today marks a historic day with the fulfilling of this commitment by handing over of this world class and state-of-the-art second Dornier aircraft to the Republic of Seychelles. It is gift from India ahead of the celebrations to mark the National Day of Seychelles on 29th June,” said Sushma Swaraj in her address post the ceremony.
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“I am sure this aircraft will give a quantum enhancement in maritime reconnaissance and contribute towards keeping the vast EEZ of Seychelles free from maritime threats,” she said, adding, “Securing our seas will ultimately lead to creating a peaceful environment for the progress and prosperity of our two countries and peoples.”
The Dornier gifted to Seychelles is the second reconnaissance aircraft handed over to Faure. The aircraft will help Seychelles monitor its 1.3 million sq km Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). PM Modi had made the promise of gifting a second aircraft during his March 2015 visit to the Indian Ocean archipelago.
India has earlier gifted Seychelles Coast Guard a fast track vessel and two helicopters.
The Dornier Aircraft Do-228 is a turboprop utility aircraft used for both civilian and military purposes by many countries.
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