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A six-daylong joint naval exercise between India and Sri Lanka navies began off Lankan waters on Monday after a gap of six years. Five Indian warships and about 10 Sri Lankan platforms are taking part in the exercise and Lanka Defence Secretary G Rajapakse is likely to spend a day on board during the drill.
Stating this here on Monday, Navy officials said INS Shivalik frigate, one Rajput class destroyer, one missile corvette and two fast attack craft comprise the Indian fleet. The Sri Lankan contingent includes two off-shore patrol vessels and eight fast attack craft of different sixes and firepower. The exercise is taking place off the North-East Coast of Sri Lanka near Trincomalee.
Officials said Indian Navy is consistently helping the Lankan Navy to build its capabilities and impart training to its crew. Moreover, the Indian Navy last month placed an order for procurement from Lanka more than 80 fast attack craft worth over200 crore. These craft are built in Lankan shipyards.
Besides this, Indian Navy Chief Admiral Nirmal Verma visited Colombo some months back to foster Navy to Navy ties between the two neighbours. Sri Lanka has strategic importance for India apart from historical ties and, New Delhi is making conscious efforts to further strengthen its relations with Lanka in the backdrop of growing Chinese presence and influence in the island country.
Stating this here on Monday, Navy officials said INS Shivalik frigate, one Rajput class destroyer, one missile corvette and two fast attack craft comprise the Indian fleet. The Sri Lankan contingent includes two off-shore patrol vessels and eight fast attack craft of different sixes and firepower. The exercise is taking place off the North-East Coast of Sri Lanka near Trincomalee.
Officials said Indian Navy is consistently helping the Lankan Navy to build its capabilities and impart training to its crew. Moreover, the Indian Navy last month placed an order for procurement from Lanka more than 80 fast attack craft worth over200 crore. These craft are built in Lankan shipyards.
Besides this, Indian Navy Chief Admiral Nirmal Verma visited Colombo some months back to foster Navy to Navy ties between the two neighbours. Sri Lanka has strategic importance for India apart from historical ties and, New Delhi is making conscious efforts to further strengthen its relations with Lanka in the backdrop of growing Chinese presence and influence in the island country.
