Question : Agreement with Seychelles

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has drawn up a cooperation agenda with Seychelles that covers joint efforts in anti piracy and enhanced Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance and monitoring to check economic offences in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the benefits therefrom;

(c) whether the said agreement, first signed in 2015, has been renegotiated recently; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and the major changes made therein along with reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[GEN. (DR) V.K. SINGH (RETD)]

(a) & (b) India and Seychelles have signed an agreement on development, management, operation and maintenance of facilities on Assomption Island in Seychelles. It is a joint project that India will be executing at the specific request of the Government of Seychelles. The objective is to assist Seychelles secure its vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) including near the Mozambique Channel, located over a thousand kilometres from the main island of Mahé.

The agreement covers within its purview our shared efforts in anti-piracy operations, and enhanced EEZ surveillance to prevent intrusions by potential economic offenders including those indulging in illegal fishing, poaching, drug and human trafficking. Assomption Island is also located along the main shipping route through which bulk of our cargo passes.

(c) & (d) The original agreement that was signed in March 2015 was renegotiated at the request of Government of Seychelles as their internal procedure including the ratification of the agreement by their National Assembly could not be completed. The revised agreement was signed on 27 January 2018. As per the terms of the agreement, the facilities on Assomption Island will be funded by India, owned by Seychelles and jointly managed by both sides.