The professional interaction between the two navies enhanced interoperability between them

Ships from the Indian Navy's Western Fleet participated in a maritime partnership exercise exercise with the Sri Lankan Navy in Sunday.

The ships - INS Chennai and INS Teg - had made a port call at Colombo on Thursday for a two-day visit. On departure from the port of Colombo, the Indian Navy Ships exercised with Sri Lanka Navy Ship Sindurala, said the Ministry of Defence on Tuesday.

The joint exercise began with a simulated situation of asymmetric threat against ships leaving harbour by fast attack crafts of the Sri Lankan Navy.

"Thereafter, as part of smoothly conducted seamanship exercises, ships of both navies made approaches for towing, maintained station for Replenishment at Sea and undertook close distance manoeuvring," the ministry said.

Indian Navy’s Chetak helicopter also participated in the exercise. The exercise culminated with the traditional steam past with the Sri Lankan ship approaching the column of Indian Navy ships from a reciprocal direction and personnel manning their ship-sides and waving goodbye to each other.

The professional interaction between the two navies was extremely conducive and enhanced interoperability between them, added the Ministry.

On March 11, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet (FOCWF) Rear Admiral Sameer Saxena had called on Sri Lanka's Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage. The Commanding Officers of INS Chennai and INS Teg called on Rear Admiral AUC De Silva, Commander of Western Naval Area of Sri Lanka.

On a friendly note, a volleyball match was also played between personnel of the two navies to enhance mutual interaction at the junior levels.

The Indian ships were kept open for the general public, school children, serving naval personnel and children with special needs. All Covid-19 regulations were adhered to during the interactions held.