Seychelles president Ramkalawan ‘Son of India’, says PM Modi

New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (April 8) during his virtual meet with Seychelles president Wavel Ramkalawan called him "son of India” while highlighting his links with India. Wavel Ramkalawan, who became the country's president last year is of Indian origin with his roots in Bihar's Gopalganj district.

PM Modi said, "Not just the people of his village Parsauni, but all Indians feel proud of his achievements. His election as President shows the faith that the people of Seychelles have in his dedication to public service."

Ramkalawan had visited India in January of 2018 as part of the PIO Parliamentarian’s Conference and had visited his native village ‘Parsauni’. Thursday's virtual meet was the first such face-to-face interaction between Indian PM and Wavel Ramkalawan.

During the virtual meet, PM said, "India is committed to strengthening the maritime security of Seychelles" and "Seychelles is central to India's vision of 'SAGAR' - 'Security and Growth for All in the Region'", with New Delhi "honoured to be a partner of Seychelles in the development of its security capabilities and in meeting its infrastructural and developmental needs"

During the virtual meet, India had gifted Seychelles coast guard Rs 100 crore worth state of the art, Made in India, Fast Patrol Vessel PS Zoroaster. This is the fourth ship to be gifted by India to Seychelles. The other vessels gifted by India include PS Topaz (2005), PS Constant (2014), Patrol Boat Hermes (2016).

During the event, both sides inaugurated the Magistrates’ Court Building, built by Indian grant, ten High Impact Community Development Projects, and handed over a 1 MW solar project. The project will generate around 14 lakh Units of power annually meeting the electricity consumption of around 400 Seychellois houses all around the year.

Seychelles was the first African country to receive the 'Made in India' COVID-19 vaccines. India sent 50,000 doses of 'Made in India' vaccines to the Indian Ocean Island country.