During his four-day official visit to Colombo, Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, met with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya to discuss strengthening maritime cooperation and defence ties between India and Sri Lanka. The discussions reaffirmed the longstanding naval partnership and focused on enhancing operational collaboration, capacity-building initiatives, and participation in multilateral maritime forums, including the International Fleet Review, MILAN, and the Admiral’s Cup Regatta.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya emphasized the importance of collective regional efforts to secure maritime commons and called for closer coordination on anti-narcotics operations, illegal fishing, marine pollution, maritime terrorism, search and rescue missions, and expanded naval training exchanges. Admiral Tripathi’s visit aligns with India’s strategic focus on the Indian Ocean Region, particularly in light of China’s increasing influence in Sri Lanka and neighboring countries.
During his stay, Admiral Tripathi held high-level meetings with top Sri Lankan defence officials, including the Deputy Defence Minister, Defence Secretary, and commanders of the Navy, Air Force, and Army. The talks underscored both nations’ shared commitment to defence cooperation, joint training, naval collaboration, and improved maritime domain awareness.
As part of the visit, Admiral Tripathi paid homage at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial in Colombo, honoring Indian soldiers who served in Sri Lanka, highlighting the shared history and sacrifices that underpin bilateral ties. He also addressed officers at the National Defence College in Colombo, stressing credible capabilities, regional cooperation, and technological transformation, citing joint anti-piracy and narcotics interdiction efforts as successful examples of collaboration.
Earlier, Admiral Tripathi hosted a reception aboard the Indian Navy’s stealth frigate INS Satpura, attended by senior Sri Lankan dignitaries. Overall, the visit reinforced India’s commitment to regional security and deepening military-to-military relations in the Indian Ocean Region.
