Indian Coast Guard ships arrive in Sri Lanka for training

Indian Coast Guard ships Samarth, an Offshore Patrol Vessel and Abhinav, Fast Patrol Vessel, have arrived at the Southern port city of Galle for training and professional interaction. The ships will also visit Colombo from March 2 to 5 before departing the Island nation, as per the Indian High Commission in Colombo.

During their stay, the ships will undertake training for Sri Lanka Coast Guard on various aspects such as VBSS, Fire Fighting and Damage Control, Maritime Pollution Response, and hold professional interactions. Activities like yoga, beach cleaning, and a walkathon will also be organized during the visit.

Furthermore, a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) will be conducted with Sri Lanka Coast Guard Ship upon departure, off Galle and Colombo. The ships will be open for visits by school children and will also host a reception onboard for guests from Sri Lanka, including senior officials from the defence hierarchy and civil administration.

According to the High Commission, the visit of Indian Coast Guard Ships aims to augment the capabilities of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard and its personnel to efficiently address maritime security challenges in the region. This visit is in line with India’s SAGAR doctrine and ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, fostering camaraderie and interoperability between the two friendly neighboring Navies.

In the past few months, Indian Naval Ships and Submarines like Kora, Kabra, and Karanj have also visited Colombo. These visits by Indian Navy and Coast Guard vessels to Sri Lanka are part of efforts to strengthen ties and promote regional security and growth initiatives.