India and Seychelles on Monday agreed to take forward their cooperation to tackle the spread of piracy in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). On the request of the Seychellois leadership, India also agreed to extend help for maritime and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance operations and capacity building of its Forces.<br/><br/>The decisions were taken at the series of meetings that the visiting Defence Minister A. K. Antony had with the President James Alix Michel, and other leaders in Mahe. <br/><br/>Antony is leading a high-level delegation, which included the Defence Secretary Pradeep Kumar and the Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral DK Dewan. Antony said the problem of piracy in the Gulf of Aden affects all countries of the world. He shared the concerns of Seychelles on the increasing reach of the pirates.<br/><br/>Antony reiterated New Delhi’s assurance, for continued cooperation in all fields particularly in the field of Defence and Security. Agreeing to a request from the Seychellois side, Antony said India will help them to carry out surveillance as frequently as possible. <br/><br/>He said the Indian Navy will also make additional visits this year to conduct surveillance and hydrographic survey. <br/><br/>During these visits, Seychellois personnel can embark on board the Indian Navy Ships for maintenance training and conduct drills and exercises. Antony also agreed to offer help for capacity building of the Seychellois Forces.