Captain Khurana pays courtesy call on Minister Radegonde |28 June 2022

Captain Khurana in a souvenir photograph with Minister Radegonde and his team from the Foreign Affairs department

Captain Manmeet Singh Kurana, commanding officer of the INS Kolkata, yesterday paid a

courtesy call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Sylvestre Radegonde, at Maison Quéau de Quinssy.

Captain Khurana and his crew will be participating in the National Day Parade tomorrow, Wednesday June 29, 2022.

During the meeting, Captain Khurana thanked the minister for the invitation to participate in this year’s National Day celebration parade. They noted that since 1976 when Seychelles attained its Independence, India has always been honoured to partake in the parade.

The Indian platoon will consist of 30 men, including the Indian Navy ceremonial band.

While in Port Victoria the crew of INS Kolkata will also be undertaking a series of activities, Yoga sessions, blood donation and a performance by the Navy’s band.

Following the National Day ceremony, the INS Kolkata will also be conducting a joint EEZ surveillance exercise with the Seychelles Coast Guard and Air Force.

Minister Radegonde thanked Captain Khurana for India’s continued support in the fight against piracy and other illegal maritime activities.

“India has been a constant and dependable friend over the years. We appreciate all the

support that we have received from India, especially in the military field,” stated the minister.

They also made note of the various cooperation that exist between the two countries in the field of military.

Also present at the meeting were the principal secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Vivianne Fock Tave, director general for Bilateral Affairs, Lindy Ernesta, and First Secretary Wendy Isnard.

Captain Khurana was accompanied by the head of Chancery of the Indian high commission,

Vikram Grewal.

Press release from the department of Foreign Affairs