Indian Navy deploys surveillance aircraft in Seychelles

NEW DELHI: Indian Navy has deployed a Dornier maritime surveillance aircraft in the Seychelles for carrying out anti-piracy operations in the Indian Ocean Region.

Stationed at the Seychelles' capital Victoria, the Dornier was deployed last week and would be operated by Navy crew on anti-piracy patrol duties in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), navy officials said here today.

"The aircraft along with crew member flew a week back for its assignment off the Seychelles coast. Besides guarding the its Exclusive Economic Zone, it would be used for anti-piracy patrol duties," they added.

India and the Seychelles had agreed to enhance cooperation in maritime security areas after a two-day visit by the Defence Minister A K Antony to the island nation in July 2010.

Besides Dornier, Two Chetak maritime choppers would also be provided to the Seychelles for its fight against sea-pirates.

India, recently, has taken several steps to enhance its presence in the IOR and initiated a series of maritime operations to check piracy.