India to deploy aircraft for anti-piracy in the Seychelles

New Delhi, Feb 16 (PTI) In wake of increasing threatsfrom sea pirates, India will soon deploy a maritimesurveillance aircraft in the Seychelles to carry outreconnaissance over its waters and piracy-infested areas ofthe Gulf of Aden.

India had promised the Seychelles one Dornier along withtwo Chetak helicopters in June last year during the visit ofDefence Minister A K Antony to the Island nation.

The Dornier will soon leave the Indian shores to carryout its duties in Seychelles, Navy officials said here.

In 2009 also, the Indian Navy had deployed one of itsoffshore patrol vessels--INS Savitri--along with a detachmentof marine commandos and Chetak helicopter in the Seychelles toguard the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

After the pirates started moving away from Somalia dueto increased presence of Navies in the Gulf of Aden, India hasdeployed its Navy and the Coast Guard to look after theCentral Arabian Sea and adjoining areas.

To deter, dissuade and prevent hijackings in the Gulfof Aden, the Indian Navy has deployed a warship continuouslyin the Gulf of Aden since October, 2008.

A couple of pirate mother vessels have also beenapprehended and destroyed by the Navy past near LakshadweepIslands in the last fortnight.