The efforts of the Indian Navy are in keeping with its core ideology of 'Bridges of Friendship'

India on Thursday handed over spares of Sri Lankan Naval Ship (SLNS) Sagara provided as grant by New Delhi to the island-nation.

In line with the Government of India's 'Neighbourhood First Policy', Deputy High Commissioner of India Vinod Jacob handed over the spares to Deputy Chief of Staff, Sri Lanka Navy Rear Admiral AUC De Silva, in a ceremony onboard the INS Sharda on Thursday.

On Wednesday, Indian Navy Ship Sharda entered Colombo harbour with the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) embarked onboard, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka said in a statement.

The Commanding Officer of the Offshore Patrol Vessel Sharda, Commander Yatish Badoutiya, called on the Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral AUC De Silva during the visit.

The timely availability of spares would ensure optimal operational availability of the Sri Lankan Naval platform.

According to the Indian High Commission statement, the ship also embarked Sri Lanka Navy manufactured 10 Tonnes Wave Rider Boat for trans-shipment to Seychelles for their Defence Forces.

The efforts of the Indian Navy are in keeping with its core ideology of 'Bridges of Friendship', towards strengthening its relations with friendly neighbours, it stated further.

Five sailing vessels of the Indian Navy visited Sri Lanka from March 10-19 for a 10-day Ocean Sailing Trailing for Sri Lankan Navy Officers.

Four ships of the Western Fleet of Indian Navy visited Sri Lanka and participated in a maritime partnership exercise with the Sri Lankan Navy on March 13.