High Commission of India
Victoria, Seychelles
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Subject:  Visit of the National Defence College of India Delegation to Seychelles 17–21 October 2026.

A 17-member delegation from the National Defence College (NDC), New Delhi, India, led by Major General Awinder Pal Singh Bal, AVSM, SM visited Seychelles from 17 to 21 October 2026 as part of the College’s Strategic Neighborhood Study Tour (SNST)-2026. The visit forms part of the College’s one-year curriculum on National Security and Strategic Studies, which seeks to broaden participants’ understanding of regional and international security challenges and national strategy.

1. During the visit, the delegation met with H.E Mr. Barry Faure, Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora of the Republic of Seychelle and held discussion on matters of mutual interest. The delegation also interacted with Major General Michael Rosette, Chief of Defence Forces, Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) and its senior leadership. These engagements provided an opportunity to exchange perspective on national security, strategic affairs, defence cooperation, training and capacity-building while reaffirming the close and longstanding defence partnership between India and Seychelles.
   
   
2. As part of its engagements, the delegation visited the Regional Coordination Operations Centre (RCOC), where they interacted with Major Gerald Wong-Pool, Director of RCOC and International Liaison Officers. The interaction provided valuable insights into regional maritime and security coordination, information-sharing and collaborative efforts to address common maritime challenges in the Western Indian Ocean. 
   
   
3. The delegation also visited the Seychelles Coast Guard Base and Seychelles Maritime Academy at Perseverance, Seychelles. They had discussions with Lt Col David Arrisol, Commanding Officer Seychelles Coast Guard and were given an insight on the country’s maritime security capabilities, operational preparedness and maritime training infrastructure. 
   
   
4. The visit underscores the longstanding partnership between India and Seychelles and reflects their shared commitment to enhancing cooperation in security, strategic studies and professional development. It also provides an opportunity to explore avenues for greater collaboration in leadership development, specialised training, institutional linkages and the exchange of expertise.
   
   
5. The delegation departed Seychelles on 21 October 2026.