INS Udaygiri, an indigenously built stealth guided-missile frigate, arrived at Colombo Port on Tuesday, coinciding with Singh’s visit to Sri Lanka
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said the visit of INS Udaygiri to Colombo reflected India’s commitment to working closely with Sri Lanka for the welfare of the people of both countries.
INS Udaygiri, an indigenously built stealth guided-missile frigate, arrived at Colombo Port on Tuesday, coinciding with Singh’s visit to Sri Lanka. The ship’s crew will take part in goodwill activities with the Sri Lanka Navy and visit various tourist and cultural sites.
"The visit of INS Udaygiri is a symbol of our commitment and desire to work shoulder to shoulder with our Sri Lankan friends for the welfare of our countries and our people," Singh said while speaking at a deck reception onboard the warship.
INS Udaygiri was among the first responders during the devastating Cyclone Ditwah and delivered relief assistance to people in Sri Lanka.
"As Sri Lanka’s closest neighbour and a civilisational twin, Bharat will continue to stand firmly with Sri Lanka in rain or shine. We remain each other’s ‘Sukh Dukh Mein Saathi’," Singh said.
He said India and Sri Lanka were not only long-standing friends and neighbours with shared cultural, historical and civilisational ties, but also key partners in maintaining the safety and security of the Indian Ocean Region.
"The ocean doesn’t divide us but connects us through a unique and everlasting bond of deep people-to-people connect," he said.
Singh said capacity building had remained a key pillar of bilateral defence cooperation and that India had consistently sought to respond to the requirements of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces while taking into account their interests and priorities.
"Given the salience of maritime cooperation, it is undoubtedly an area where we foresee a closer and deeper engagement," he said.
"India remains a committed partner for the capacity enhancement of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces," he added.
"We will also be working together for the creation of an Artificial Intelligence Lab for the Sri Lankan Army for its capability enhancements," Singh said.
As part of India’s Defence Diplomacy initiative, INS Udaygiri also carried equipment and components for the Sri Lankan Armed Forces. These included spares for the Indra MK 2 radar for the Sri Lanka Air Force, spares for Sri Lanka Navy ship SAYURA and inflatable targets for the Sri Lanka Navy.
During the event, Singh handed over the equipment and components to Sri Lankan officials.
"This equipment will help in further boosting the capability and capacity of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces," he said.
Singh is leading a high-level delegation comprising senior officials from India’s ministries of defence and external affairs.
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