INS Sharda concludes Colombo visit, strengthens India-Sri Lanka maritime co-operation

Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sharda departed Colombo on June 13 after a successful port call that further strengthened maritime cooperation and friendship between India and Sri Lanka.

The visit featured a range of professional, training and sporting engagements between the Indian Navy and the Sri Lankan Navy.

The Indian Navy informed that as part of capacity-building initiatives, Sri Lankan Navy personnel received training in small arms handling, basic firefighting, first aid and rescue procedures aboard the ship. The engagements were aimed at enhancing operational preparedness and fostering greater interoperability between the two maritime forces.

During the visit, Rear Admiral Jagath Kumara, Commander, Western Naval Area of the Sri Lanka Navy, visited INS Sharda and interacted with the crew, reaffirming the strong maritime partnership between the two countries.

The port call also included professional exchanges, cross-deck visits and friendly sporting fixtures, which helped strengthen camaraderie and deepen cooperation between the two navies.

The Commanding Officer of INS Sharda paid a courtesy call on Santosh Jha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, during the ship’s stay in Colombo.

The visit underscored the enduring maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka and reaffirmed their shared commitment to regional maritime cooperation and security in line with the vision of MAHASAGAR — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.