INS Sharda concludes Colombo visit, enhances India-Sri Lanka maritime cooperation
New Delhi, June 14. Indian Navy vessel INS Sharda departed Colombo on June 13 after completing a successful port call in Sri Lanka aimed at further strengthening maritime cooperation and friendship between the two countries.
The visit witnessed a range of professional, training and sporting engagements with the Sri Lankan Navy, reinforcing operational ties and interoperability between the two maritime forces.
As part of capacity-building initiatives, personnel of the Sri Lankan Navy underwent training in small arms handling, basic firefighting, first aid and rescue procedures conducted by the crew of INS Sharda.
Rear Admiral Jagath Kumara, Commander Western Naval Area of the Sri Lankan Navy, visited the ship during the port call and interacted with the crew, reaffirming the strong maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka.
Friendly sporting events, professional exchanges and cross-deck visits between personnel of the two navies further strengthened bonds and enhanced mutual understanding.
During the visit, the Commanding Officer of INS Sharda also paid a courtesy call on India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the visit underscored the enduring maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka and reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting regional maritime cooperation and security in line with the MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision.
