Colombo [Sri Lanka], January 15 (ANI): The 13th edition of the Indian-Sri Lankan Navy staff talks concluded on Wednesday in Colombo, focusing on strengthening bilateral engagements, enhancing ongoing cooperation, and advancing collaborative efforts toward maritime security in the Indian Ocean region, according to the Indian Navy.
The talks were co-chaired by Rear Admiral Srinivas Maddula, ACNS (FCI), and Rear Admiral Ruwan Rupasena, Director General Training of the Sri Lankan Navy, the Indian Navy noted in a post on X.
India and Sri Lanka maintain a strong defense relationship built on close military linkages and shared security concerns. Defence cooperation includes training, joint exercises, supply of military equipment, high-level bilateral visits, and goodwill visits by Navy and Coast Guard ships.
On January 8, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi met with Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), Deputy Minister of Defence, and Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), Secretary of Defence of Sri Lanka, to discuss advancing bilateral defence cooperation and military-to-military relations. Their talks focused on strengthening strategic ties, expanding joint military training, and assessing the current geostrategic landscape. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting regional peace and stability.
The Indian Army stated on X that the interaction emphasized enhancing military-to-military engagement, cooperation in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, and reinforcing collaboration in areas of mutual interest, reflecting the shared commitment of India and Sri Lanka toward regional security, stability, and an enduring defence partnership.
This meeting followed the India-Sri Lanka Army-to-Army Staff talks at Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff in New Delhi on January 8. The Sri Lankan delegation discussed improving interoperability between the two armies, strengthening defence ties, and deepening the broader defence partnership. Both sides agreed to continue efforts to foster a strong India-Sri Lanka relationship to advance regional security.
Earlier, General Dwivedi laid a wreath at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial in Colombo, paying homage to Indian soldiers who lost their lives during Operation Pawan. (ANI)
About The Author
