Indian Naval Ship (INS) Udaygiri arrived at the Port of Colombo today (September 8) on an official visit to Sri Lanka, coinciding with the commencement of Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s three-day official visit to the country.
The Indian Navy frigate was received by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with longstanding naval traditions.
The 149.02-metre-long INS Udaygiri is commanded by Captain Vikas Sood. During the ship’s stay in Sri Lanka, Captain Sood is scheduled to call on Commander Western Naval Area Rear Admiral Harsha De Silva at the Western Naval Command Headquarters.
Captain Sood previously served as Defence Adviser at the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka from July 2020 to October 2023.
The arrival of INS Udaygiri comes as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh begins his official visit to Sri Lanka from September 8 to 10. Singh is scheduled to hold consultations with Sri Lankan leadership and meet President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha. He is also expected to interact with members of the Indian community in Colombo.
The visit is aimed at further strengthening bilateral cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, particularly in the areas of defence, maritime security and regional cooperation. It is also being undertaken in the context of India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and its MAHASAGAR vision.
During its stay in Sri Lanka, the crew of INS Udaygiri will participate in a series of goodwill activities organised by the Sri Lanka Navy to strengthen camaraderie and professional ties between the two naval forces.
The visiting personnel are also scheduled to visit several prominent tourist and cultural sites across the island.
