Top defence officials review existing cooperation and explore new avenues for joint military training, capacity building and regional security…reports Asian Lite news Desk
India and Sri Lanka reviewed their bilateral defence cooperation and discussed new opportunities for joint military training and capacity building during a series of high-level meetings in New Delhi on Thursday.
General N.S. Raja Subramani, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Indian Armed Forces, held talks with Vice-Admiral Damian Fernando, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, during the latter’s official three-day visit to India.
The discussions covered existing defence cooperation between the two countries, potential areas for expanding joint military training and capacity enhancement, as well as key regional security developments.
“CDS General N.S. Raja Subramani interacted with Vice-Admiral Damian Fernando, Sri Lanka Navy Commander, during his official visit to India,” the Integrated Defence Staff said in a post on X.
The two military leaders reviewed ongoing bilateral defence initiatives and explored new avenues for cooperation, with the discussions aimed at further strengthening the strategic partnership between India and Sri Lanka.
Earlier in the day, Fernando met Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi. Their talks focused on the progress of initiatives being implemented under the Bilateral Defence Cooperation Plan between the two countries.
The Ministry of Defence said both sides reviewed activities and projects under the plan and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding defence cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
“The two sides reviewed activities and projects under the Bilateral Defence Cooperation Plan and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral defence cooperation in areas of mutual interest,” the ministry said in a post on X.
Fernando also held discussions with Indian Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, with the two sides focusing particularly on strengthening cooperation in maritime security.
The Indian Navy said the talks included discussions on institutionalised training and capacity-building initiatives, reflecting the importance both countries attach to maintaining security and stability across the Indian Ocean Region.
The two sides also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region in line with India’s MAHASAGAR vision — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
“The deliberations focused on strengthening maritime security cooperation, institutionalised training and capacity-building initiatives,” the Indian Navy said.
The engagement, it added, reflected the “deep-rooted maritime bonds” between India and Sri Lanka and would contribute to sustained peace and stability across the Indian Ocean Region.
Fernando was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the South Block Lawns in New Delhi before beginning his bilateral discussions with Admiral Swaminathan.
His visit comes as India and Sri Lanka continue to expand cooperation in maritime security, defence training and capacity building amid the growing strategic importance of the Indian Ocean.
The two neighbouring countries maintain longstanding defence ties, with their armed forces regularly engaging in training programmes and other professional exchanges.
Maritime security has emerged as a particularly important area of cooperation given Sri Lanka’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean and the significance of the surrounding sea lanes for regional trade and connectivity.
The latest meetings provided an opportunity for both sides to review ongoing initiatives while identifying additional areas where their armed forces can work together.
The discussions involving senior Indian defence and military officials also underscored the importance New Delhi attaches to strengthening defence partnerships with countries in the Indian Ocean region.
For Sri Lanka, closer engagement with India offers opportunities to enhance military capabilities through training, capacity building and institutional cooperation, while India views stronger maritime partnerships as an important component of regional security.
The officials also discussed broader regional security matters, with the engagements aimed at ensuring closer coordination between the two countries’ defence establishments.
Fernando’s three-day visit is expected to further reinforce the longstanding defence relationship between India and Sri Lanka and provide momentum to existing cooperation under the Bilateral Defence Cooperation Plan.
The latest round of high-level discussions comes against the backdrop of India’s wider efforts to deepen security partnerships across the Indian Ocean Region and promote a stable and cooperative regional maritime environment.
