Indian Navy’s Participation in Exercise Cutlass Express – 24 (CE – 24) and Joint EEZ Surveillance in Seychelles

Participation in Exercise Cutlass Express – 24 (CE – 24)

• Date and Location: 26 Feb – 08 Mar 24, Port Victoria, Seychelles
• Inauguration: President of Seychelles with dignitaries from India, USA, and African countries
• Participants: Indian Navy and 16 friendly foreign countries
• Training Focus:
  • Maritime Interdiction Operations
  • Visit Board Search and Seizure procedures
  • Diving operations
• Activities:
  • VBSS team boarded Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG) ship LE Vigilant
  • Joint diving operations with US and Seychelles divers
  • Visit by R Adm Calvin M Foster, Deputy Commander of US Navy 6th Fleet
• Closing Ceremony: Held at Seychelles Defence Academy, Ile Perseverance

Joint EEZ Surveillance and Professional Exchanges

• Date: 01 – 03 Mar 24
• Partners: Seychelles Coast Guard
• Activities:
  • Professional exchanges
  • Cross deck visits
  • Friendly sports fixtures
• Cultural Exchange:
  • Indian Naval band performance at National Museum, Port Victoria
• Philanthropic Activity: Donation of provisions and stores for the elderly

Courtesy Calls and Cooperation

• Visits:
  • Courtesy calls by Capt Anshul Kishore to:
    • Designated Minister Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde
    • Seychelles Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Brig Michael Rosette, Chief of Defence Forces
    • Shri Kartik Pande, High Commissioner of India to Seychelles
• Cooperation:
  • Handover of spares for SCG ships and aircraft towards capacity building

Significance of Deployment

• Objective:
  • Foster interoperability
  • Strengthen ties between Indian Navy and regional Navies
• Symbolizes:
  • Joint training efforts
  • Building bridges of friendship

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

1. Where was Exercise Cutlass Express – 24 (CE – 24) held?
   • A) Port Victoria, Seychelles
   • B) Mumbai, India
   • C) New York, USA
   • D) Cape Town, South Africa
   • Answer: A) Port Victoria, Seychelles
2. How many friendly foreign countries participated in Exercise Cutlass Express – 24?
   • A) 10
   • B) 16
   • C) 20
   • D) 25
   • Answer: B) 16
3. Who inaugurated Exercise Cutlass Express – 24?
   • A) President of India
   • B) President of Seychelles
   • C) President of USA
   • D) President of South Africa
   • Answer: B) President of Seychelles
4. Which fleet’s Deputy Commander visited INS Tir during Exercise Cutlass Express – 24?
   • A) US Navy 5th Fleet
   • B) US Navy 6th Fleet
   • C) US Navy 7th Fleet
   • D) US Navy 8th Fleet
   • Answer: B) US Navy 6th Fleet
5. What philanthropic activity was undertaken during INS Tir’s stay at Seychelles?
   • A) Blood donation camp
   • B) Clothing donation drive
   • C) Donation of provisions and stores for the elderly
   • D) Tree plantation campaign
   • Answer: C) Donation of provisions and stores for the elderly