Joint approach to tackle piracy in Seychelles’ waters
17.06.2009
A joint approach to better tackle pirate activities in our territorial waters was the main topic of discussion between Vice-President Joseph Belmont and an Indian delegation yesterday at State House.
Led by Captain Ajendra B Singh – officer in charge of INS Trishul – the delegation including Indian ambassador to Seychelles Asit Kumar Nag and defence adviser Sirkant Kesnur also discussed the ongoing cooperation between the two governments.
The Trishul is here on an operational visit that includes surveillance work in the region and coincides with National Day celebrations. A contingent of its sailors will take part in the parade tomorrow.
Captain Singh explained that when the ship leaves on Friday, it will carry out anti-piracy patrols in areas of interest to the Seychelles government until June 29, when it will head back to India.
Built by the Baltic shipyard, the Trishul is a 125-metre long stealth frigate displacing 4,000 tonnes with a top speed of 30 knots.
It has a high weapon and sensor density combined with an exhaustive electronic warfare suite.
The ship is capable of carrying out multiple and varied missions spanning the entire spectrum of conflict from stable peace to high-intensity war. Its operational capability is boosted by a multi-mission capable Kamov 31 helicopter on board.
The Trishul has the capacity to carry 350 crew members, including 35 officers.