Naval exercise “Cutlass Express” – 24 was held at Port Victoria, Seychelles

Current Context: The naval exercise “Cutlass Express - 24” was indeed held at Port Victoria, Seychelles from February 26 to March 8, 2024.

• This exercise was inaugurated by the President of Seychelles in the presence of dignitaries from India, USA, and African countries.
• The Indian Navy’s lead ship of the First Training Squadron, INS Tir, participated in this exercise.
• As part of Cutlass Express, the Indian Navy actively engaged with participants from 16 friendly foreign countries.
• Training was conducted on theoretical and practical aspects of Maritime Interdiction Operations, Visit Board Search and Seizure procedures, and Diving operations.
• During the sea phase, the ship’s VBSS team boarded Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG) ship LE Vigilant and demonstrated procedures of boarding operations.
• Indian divers, along with US and Seychelles divers, undertook joint diving operations after a rigorous training week.
• The exercise culminated at a closing ceremony held at Seychelles Defence Academy, Ile Perseverance on March 8, 2024.

Question:

Q.1 Who inaugurated the exercise “Cutlass Express - 24”?
a. The President of India
b. The President of USA
c. The President of Seychelles
d. The President of South Africa