India will deploy a naval Dornier-228 maritime reconnaissance aircraft in the Seychelles for two years to support the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) surveillance and anti-piracy patrols.

The deployment is part of India’s $5m military aid for the Seychelles and military assistance to Indian Ocean region (IOR) countries to counter China’s moves into the region.

The number of visits of Indian Navy warships to the region have also been increased to help anti-piracy operations, according to the Times of India.

India has been conducting joint patrols with the Indonesian and Sri Lankan Navies and naval drills with Singapore and Oman to provide seaward security for international summits in Mozambique.