New Delhi/Colombo: Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), has embarked on a four-day official visit to Sri Lanka from 22nd to 25th September 2025, with a strong emphasis on strengthening maritime security cooperation and strategic partnership between the two nations.
High-Level Bilateral Engagements
During his visit, Admiral Tripathi will call on the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, and hold bilateral meetings with the heads of the Sri Lanka Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with other senior government officials.
Discussions will span a wide range of topics including:
- Maritime security collaboration
- Capacity building and training initiatives
- Technological and operational cooperation
- New avenues to strengthen Indo-Sri Lankan defence ties
Participation in Galle Dialogue 2025
A key highlight of the visit will be Admiral Tripathi’s participation in the 12th edition of the Galle Dialogue 2025, an international maritime conference hosted in Colombo. This year’s theme, “Maritime Outlook of the Indian Ocean under Changing Dynamics,” reflects the growing significance of the region amid global strategic shifts.
Robust Naval Cooperation Framework
The Indian Navy and Sri Lanka Navy enjoy a deep and multifaceted relationship. Regular engagements include:
- Annual Defence Dialogue
- Bilateral naval exercise SLINEX
- Passage Exercises (PASSEX)
Hydrography and training exchanges
Staff talks and capacity-building missions
Both navies are also active participants in key multilateral forums, such as:
- Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)
- MILAN Naval Exercises
- Goa Maritime Conclave/Symposium
- Colombo Security Conclave
- Galle Dialogue
Vision of ‘MAHASAGAR’: Enhancing Maritime Trust
The CNS’s visit aligns with India’s maritime vision, ‘MAHASAGAR’, aimed at promoting maritime security, regional stability, and mutual prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The visit underscores the “time-tested” strategic ties between India and Sri Lanka, rooted in mutual respect and maritime trust.
This trip not only reaffirms India’s commitment to being a net security provider in the Indian Ocean but also enhances interoperability and operational synergy between the two maritime neighbours.
