In a move reflecting the growing maritime security cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, the Indian submarine INS Shalki arrived in Colombo on August 2 for a two-day visit. The Indian Navy made the announcement on Saturday, highlighting the significance of this visit.
The INS Shalki is part of the Shishumar class of diesel-electric submarines. It holds a special place in Indian naval history as it was the first submarine to be built in India, commissioned on February 7, 1992. Upon its arrival in Colombo on Friday, the submarine was given a ceremonial reception by the Sri Lanka Navy.
This visit is part of India’s broader strategy of sending submarines to a select group of countries with whom it has close defense and strategic ties. The current visit of INS Shalki to Colombo comes at a time when China is making persistent efforts to increase its strategic and military influence over Sri Lanka.
In recent years, India has been enhancing its defense and strategic relations with Sri Lanka, particularly in light of concerns over China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean region. The docking of the Chinese missile and satellite tracking ship ‘Yuan Wang’ at Hambantota port in August 2022 sparked a diplomatic row between India and Sri Lanka. This was followed by another Chinese warship docking at Colombo port in August last year.
The INS Shalki’s visit is not an isolated event. Earlier this year, Kalvari class submarines INS Karanj and INS Vagir also visited Colombo, in February and June respectively. These visits are part of ongoing efforts to build stronger naval ties between the two countries.
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During its stay in Colombo, the Commander of INS Shalki is scheduled to meet with Rear Admiral WDCU Kumarasinghe, the Commander of the Western Naval Area. Additionally, personnel from the High Commission of India and Sri Lankan defense forces are expected to visit the submarine.
India has been actively supporting various capacity-building initiatives for the Sri Lankan defense forces. This includes providing indigenously constructed Offshore Patrol Vessels to enhance Sri Lanka’s maritime capabilities.
The visit of INS Shalki underscores the deepening defense collaboration between India and Sri Lanka, which is crucial in maintaining regional security and stability amidst the evolving geopolitical landscape in the Indian Ocean.
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