Multi-faceted nature of defence cooperation between India and Sri Lanka encompasses myriad activities in numerous domains including training, joint exercises, supply of military equipment etc. They are also marked by institutional dialogues at different levels and periodic bilateral goodwill visits by Navy and Coast Guard ships. Sri Lanka has been accorded the status of ‘Priority One’ partner by India.
Attesting to the deep nature of this engagement, Colombo Security Conclave Secretariat was inaugurated in March 2021 and the consequent Deputy NSA meeting was held in Sri Lanka on 4 August 2021 in order to work towards actionable engagements in tackling common security challenges.
Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army visited Sri Lanka in October 2021 during which he called on the Sri Lankan political and military leadership. He was the Chief Guest at the Gajaba Day celebrations. He gifted two simulators along with training aids and cut models to facilitate quality training imparted by Sri Lanka Army and also provided one upgrade kit for the L-70 anti-Aircraft gun to Sri Lanka Air Force to ensure full automation of the gun.
Armies of the two countries conducted Ex Mitra Shakti, which is Sri Lanka’s biggest military bilateral engagement. This year saw a monumental enhancement in the exercise from an Infantry Company level to a Combined Arms concept.
Multi-faceted nature of this partnership and India’s commitment towards its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy was manifested when Indian Naval Ship Shakthi was deployed for delivering 100 tonnes of medical grade oxygen to Sri Lanka during early phases of the third COVID-19 wave in August 2021. Two Indian Air Force C-17 aircrafts were deployed for supplying 100 tonnes of nano fertilizers in November 2021.
Training is a significant and enduring pillar of bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries with India being the largest provider of foreign training assistance to Sri Lankan Armed Forces. This continued despite Covid-19 restrictions and in fact, the courses in India witnessed an increased participation from Sri Lanka in premier defence institutes.
The 1st Training Squadron comprising six ships from Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard visited Sri Lanka from 24-28 October 2021. The visit broadened the horizon of young naval officers about the rich cultural heritage, traditions and social structure of a different country.
The old bonds of defence training establishments was institutionalized with the inauguration of National Defence College (NDC) India Alumni Association in Sri Lanka on 21 October 20
