India Gifts Interceptor Boat PB Boudeuse to Seychelles
In a significant step toward bolstering maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), India formally handed over the Indian Coast Guard Interceptor Boat C-449 to the Seychelles Coast Guard. The vessel, now commissioned as Patrol Boat (PB) Boudeuse, was presented during a ceremony presided over by Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan, underscoring the deepening defence partnership between the two nations. This handover marked the fifth Made-in-India patrol boat gifted to Seychelles, reinforcing India's commitment to its Security and Growth for All in the Region" (SAGAR) vision, championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
President Ramkalawan, who also serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Seychelles Defence Forces, lauded India's consistent support in strengthening his country's maritime capabilities. The ceremony, attended by senior officials from both nations, symbolized a shared commitment to regional stability amid growing asymmetric and non-conventional challenges in the IOR, including the expanding influence of external powers like China.
Mar 01, 2025
Exercise Desert Hunt 2025
An integrated Tri-Service Special Forces exercise named exercise Desert Hunt 2025 was conducted by the Indian Air Force at Air Force Station Jodhpur from February 24 to 28, 2025. The exercise involved elite Para (Special Forces) from the Indian Army, the Marine Commandos from the Indian Navy along with the Garud (Special Forces) from the Indian Air Force, participating together in a simulated combat environment.
This high-intensity drill was aimed at enhancing interoperability, coordination and synergy among the three Special Forces units to ensure swift and effective response towards emerging security challenges. The exercise included airborne insertion, precision strikes, hostage rescue, counter-terrorism operations, combat free falls and urban warfare scenarios wherein the combat readiness of the forces was tested under realistic conditions.