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Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff of India, is on a four-day official visit to Sri Lanka from September 22–25 to strengthen bilateral maritime ties. The visit includes meetings with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, the three Service Chiefs, and senior officials to discuss defence cooperation, maritime security, training, and capability enhancement.
A highlight of the visit is Admiral Tripathi’s participation in the 12th Galle Dialogue 2025, themed “Maritime Outlook of the Indian Ocean under Changing Dynamics.” The dialogue brings together regional and international maritime stakeholders to discuss security, trade, and strategic developments in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
The Indian and Sri Lankan navies maintain a close operational relationship through initiatives like SLINEX (Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise), Passage Exercises, training exchanges, and hydrography collaborations. Both navies also engage in multilateral forums such as MILAN, the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, and the Colombo Security Conclave.
Further symbolising the partnership, India’s indigenous stealth frigate INS Satpura arrived in Colombo, welcomed warmly by the Sri Lanka Navy. During its visit, the ship will engage in professional interactions, rescue drills, sports fixtures, and cultural exchanges, reflecting the ongoing friendship and operational synergy between the two navies.
The visit underscores the historic and enduring India-Sri Lanka relations, anchored in mutual respect, maritime trust, and shared regional objectives under India’s Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR initiatives.
