Article Posted on : - Jul 13, 2010

NEW DELHI (PTI): To further strengthen bilateral defence ties and increase cooperation in anti-piracy operations, Indian Defence Minister A K Antony will be on a two-day visit to Seychelles starting this Sunday.

“The Defence Minister will have discussions with the Seychelles leadership on bilateral defence cooperation and implementation of the provisions of the defence cooperation MoU between both countries,” ministry officials said here.

The two sides would also discuss various security issues, including the security situation in the Indian Ocean region and the spread of piracy in and from the Gulf of Aden.

“They will also explore the possibility of cooperation to combat this menace,” the officials said.

Defence Secretary Pradeep Kumar and Navy Vice Chief Vice Admiral D K Dewan would accompany the minister during the visit.

India and Seychelles have enhanced their defence ties and have been working together to counter piracy-related incidents in the Indian Ocean region.