The Navy for the first time has deployed a P-8 I long range maritime reconnaissance aircraft to Seychelles since Sunday for surveillance in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)of Seychelles, in accordance with the MoU between India and Seychelles.
The Indian Navy has, in the past, undertaken surveillance missions in the Seychelles EEZ twice a year, by deploying its warships. The last such deployment was undertaken in October last year. The aircraft will remain deployed till March 23 and will undertake surveillance of Seychelles EEZ.
The deployment will facilitate professional interaction between the aircrew and the Seychelles People’s Defence Force, navy officials said on Monday.