Three vessels belonging to the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS), INS Tir, INS Sujata and Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sarathi, arrived in Sri Lanka today (26) for a formal visit aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation between the two countries.

The visiting vessels were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with established naval traditions.

A total of 135 officer under-trainees are participating in the visit aboard the three vessels. INS Tir, a 107-metre training ship, is commanded by Captain Tijo K Joseph, while INS Sujata, a 103-metre offshore patrol vessel, is commanded by Commander Jishnu Madhavan. ICGS Sarathi, a 105-metre offshore patrol vessel, is commanded by Commandant Kundan Singh, the Navy said in a statement.

Following their arrival, the commanding officers of the visiting vessels called on Commander Western Naval Area Rear Admiral Harsha De Silva at the Western Naval Command Headquarters. Mementoes were exchanged during the meeting to mark the occasion.

During their stay in Sri Lanka, the visiting crews and officer trainees are scheduled to participate in programmes organised by the Sri Lanka Navy to strengthen bilateral relations and promote mutual cooperation.

Sri Lanka Navy personnel will also have opportunities to visit the vessels and observe their training activities, facilitating the exchange of professional knowledge and maritime expertise.

The visiting personnel are additionally expected to tour several locations and places of interest across the island as part of the programme.

The Navy noted that the visit forms part of the Indian Navy’s long-range training deployment and is expected to further strengthen longstanding maritime ties between India and Sri Lanka through professional engagement, training exchanges and cooperation between their naval and coast guard personnel.

The squadron is scheduled to remain in Colombo until October 28.