[REVISION HISTORY]

India-Sri Lanka defence and maritime cooperation

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2026-09-20 17:03 UTC → 2026-09-24 12:24 UTC · added ~~removed~~

India and Sri Lanka are actively engaging in high-level discussions to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region. In late August 2026, Sri Lanka Navy Commander Vice Admiral Damian Fernando conducted a three-day official visit to New Delhi to discuss the Bilateral Defence Cooperation Plan and capacity-building initiatives. On September 8, 2026, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commenced a three-day official visit to Sri Lanka, leading a high-level delegation to implement the India-Sri Lanka Defence Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding signed in April 2025. This marks the first visit by an Indian Defence Minister to the island nation in nearly 38 years. During his visit, Singh met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya in Colombo. The leaders reaffirmed commitments to regional security, peace, and maritime cooperation. President Dissanayake provided assurances that Sri Lankan territory would not be used for activities “detrimental to India's security interests.” The visit resulted in the signing of three agreements to enhance defence cooperation, specifically including the modernization of six L70 air-defence guns for the Sri Lankan Air Force and cooperation between their respective National Cadet Corps and National Defence Colleges. India also provided military equipment, including radar spares for the Sri Lankan Air Force and components for the Sri Lankan Navy vessel Sayura. Building on these diplomatic efforts, the two nations commenced the 13th edition of their bilateral naval exercise, SLINEX 26, in Visakhapatnam from September 17 to 21, 2026. The exercise ~~involves~~ involved the Sri Lanka Navy ship SLNS Sindurala and the Indian Navy vessels INS Kavaratti and INS Jyoti. The engagement ~~includes~~ included a Harbour Phase for professional interaction and a Sea Phase designed to enhance operational synergy and interoperability, aligning with India’s MAHASAGAR vision for an inclusive maritime environment.

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