By Mewati Sitaram
Indian Coast Guard Ships Vaibhav (Offshore Patrol Vessel) and Abhiraj (Fast Patrol Vessel) are set to visit Colombo from 23-27 December 2024 and Galle from 29 December 2024 to 2 January 2025. During the visit, the Commanding Officers, Commandant Navtej Singh Sohal and Commandant (JG) S Sujith, will meet with the Director General of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard and other senior officials. The ships will engage in joint training on VBSS, firefighting, damage control, and maritime pollution response, alongside various professional interactions.
The visit will include onboard receptions for Sri Lankan dignitaries, including senior officials from the defence and civil sectors. The ships will also organize a yoga demonstration to promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, as well as social initiatives such as beach cleaning and a walkathon, aimed at raising awareness about marine plastic pollution under the Puneet Sagar Abhiyan. A SAGAREX exercise with the Sri Lanka Coast Guard ship is planned for 27 December 2024, off the coast of Colombo.
The ships will also be open for tours by Sri Lanka Coast Guard personnel, fostering greater people-to-people connections and enhancing awareness of the Indian Coast Guard’s capabilities. This visit underscores the growing cooperation between India and Sri Lanka in strengthening maritime security, building on shared challenges in the region.
The visit of the Indian Coast Guard Ships, following the earlier visit of Indian Naval Submarine Vela to Colombo (10-13 November 2024), reflects India’s commitment to bolstering regional security and interoperability under its SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine and Neighbourhood First policy.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
