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The Indian fast attack craft, INS Kabra, a homegrown naval vessel, arrived at the Colombo port on Monday to enhance diplomatic ties between India and Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lankan Navy extended a warm welcome to INS Kabra upon its arrival in the island nation, according to an official press release from the Indian Navy.
During the visit, the Commanding Officer of INS Kabra held discussions with Rear Admiral TSK Perera, the Commander of the Western Naval Area. A presentation ceremony took place, during which essential spares and stores intended for the Sri Lanka Navy and Air Force were handed over by the Indian warship.
In a statement, the Navy emphasized that this exchange of materials further solidifies the bilateral cooperation and camaraderie between the two Navies, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
The Indian Navy shared the news on its official channels, stating, “#INSKabra, the indigenous Fast Attack Craft, arrived in #Colombo on #08Jan. The ship received a warm welcome from @srilanka_navy and contributed essential spares for #SriLankaNavy & @airforcelk. This visit strengthens #maritimecooperation between the Indian and Sri Lankan Navies. @IndiainSL.”
Recalling India’s involvement in the 23rd Council of Ministers (COM) meeting and the 25th Committee of Senior Officials of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) held in Colombo in October last year, the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar led the Indian delegation.
During this meeting, India assumed the role of the Vice Chair of IORA for the years 2023-25, followed by the Chairmanship for 2025-27. The COM adopted the Colombo Communique and the ‘IORA Vision 2030 and Beyond’, alongside other relevant documents.
Jaishankar emphasized India’s commitment to the principles of peaceful coexistence, shared prosperity, and regional collaboration within the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), an inter-governmental organization focused on promoting regional cooperation and sustainable development among its 23 Member States and 11 Dialogue Partners.