Smita Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 22

Seychelles President Danny Faure arrived in Gujarat on Friday evening even as it became clear that the proposal for a joint military base in the remote coral Assumption Islands will not find its way into the archipelago nation’s parliament for ratification.On a six-day visit, Faure will be in Delhi on Monday when he will be accorded a ceremonial reception before holding official talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Earlier, President Faure was quoted by the local media as saying the Assumption Island issue will not be discussed with PM Modi. However, Indian sources suggest the matter is on the table for quiet discussions, though public pressure will not be mounted to allow Seychelles to sort out its own domestic politics.The agreement involves India investing $550m to build a military base to be shared by both countries for up to 30 years. Following public protests on grounds of sovereignty and environmental concerns, the deal was revised on January 27 to clarify issues such as prohibition of nuclear use on the island as well as not allowing India to use the base in war. Yet opposition persists, leaving the minority government with its hands tied.“The government will not present the agreement to the National Assembly (parliament) for approval because Opposition members (who are in majority) have already said they will not ratify it,” Seychelles Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Barry Faure told Reuters just ahead of Faure’s India visit.“Hence the question of whether the agreement has been cancelled or not does arise — we will simply not take it to the Assembly,” he added.New Delhi wants to ensure safety of its vessels in southern Indian Ocean and increase strategic presence in waters as China expands its maritime footprint with its new overseas military base in Djibouti.