Colombo: Indian Navy offshore patrol vessel INS Sharda successfully concluded its visit to Sri Lanka and departed Colombo on June 13, reinforcing the longstanding maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka.
The vessel arrived in Colombo on June 10 as part of an operational deployment and a mission involving the transshipment of military stores for the Indian Army. Upon arrival, INS Sharda received a warm welcome from the Sri Lanka Navy in keeping with established naval traditions.
During the port call, personnel from the Indian and Sri Lankan navies participated in a range of professional, cultural, and sporting activities aimed at enhancing mutual understanding and operational cooperation. Joint yoga sessions and friendly sports engagements were among the highlights of the visit.
The Commanding Officer of INS Sharda held interactions with senior Sri Lanka Navy officials, discussing matters of shared maritime interest and regional security cooperation. Sri Lankan naval personnel were also given an opportunity to tour the vessel and gain insights into its capabilities and operations.
The visit underscored the close defence ties between the two neighbouring nations and reflected their shared commitment to promoting maritime security, stability, and cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.
According to the Indian High Commission in Colombo, such naval engagements play a vital role in advancing India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and strengthening people-to-people as well as military-to-military connections.
INS Sharda’s successful visit is the latest example of the growing strategic partnership between India and Sri Lanka, highlighting continued collaboration in areas of maritime security, humanitarian assistance, and regional stability.