"Ever since your country attained independence, there has been close cooperation between the defence forces of our two countries. The Seychelles Defence Academy itself is a symbol of this cooperation. Indian Naval Ship Nilgiri had docked in Victoria Harbour to join the celebrations to usher in the independence of Seychelles on June 29, 1976. It is a matter of satisfaction that over the years close cooperation has extended into vital areas such as training for SPDF personnel, joint training of the two forces, visit by Indian warships and supply of defence-related equipment.

"In the SPDF Museum, I was very happy to note the prominent display of a number of memorable landmarks in India-Seychelles defence cooperation. The memorial plaque raised in December 2001 on the successful completion of twenty years of India-Seychelles defence cooperation and the first ever joint exercises of the forces of our two countries bear testimony to the friendship and brotherhood between both sides.

"There are other dimensions to our relations. We are both littoral countries of the Indian Ocean region. We, in India, therefore, consider Seychelles as our neighbour and wish to further strengthen the existing close cooperation. India is committed to assist in all possible areas to enable your defence forces to attain a high degree of efficiency and preparedness. We wish to share our resources and technology for peace and stability of your country and the well-being of its inhabitants. I am very happy that an MoU on defence cooperation has been concluded. It will go a long way in enlarging and furhter reinforcing our defence ties.

"One cannot help observing that the continent of Africa is steadily marching towards economic self-reliance. It is equally praiseworthy to note the determination of African countries to find indigenous solutions to its conflicts as reflected in the objectives of the African Union and NEPAD. India has been an active contributor to the peacekeeping operations in the continent as part of its commitment to African peace and stability. Both the Indian and Seychelles defence forces should join hands to strengthen solidarity between India and Africa.

"We are living in fast changing times. A new world order is fast emerging. Unfortunately, the global environment for peace and harmony is still fragile. On one hand, there are challenges of poverty and under-development to be faced in most parts of the world. On the other, there are growing threats to democracy arising from the forces bent upon subverting the very process of development. The phenomenon of international terrorism is today's greatest security challenge before the entire international community. It is a matter of great satisfaction to me that Seychelles has signed a joint declaration with India, in October 2002, to fight international terrorism.

"India has been a victim of cross-border terrorism for more than two decades. This has added new dimensions to the increasing responsibilities of our defence forces. I am proud to say that our defence forces have shown exemplary ability and determination in successfully fighting terrorism in a professional manner and with a humane touch. India is determined to fight and eliminate cross-border terrorism".