INS Kuthar strengthens Indo-Sri Lanka naval ties with Colombo Port visit
| 2025-03-04
Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kuthar arrives at the Port of Colombo on March 3, 2025.
INS Kuthar handed over refurbished essential items to the Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) Suraksha
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kuthar arrived at the Port of Colombo on Monday (March 3, 2025) for a three-day Operational Turn Around (OTA) visit, reinforcing the strong naval cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.
A Warm Welcome at Colombo Port
INS Kuthar, a 91.1-meter-long Khukri-class Corvette, commanded by Commander Nitin Sharma, was received with full naval honors by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN), following maritime traditions. The vessel, manned by a crew of 129 personnel, docked at Colombo as part of its ongoing deployment in the Indian Ocean region.
As part of its goodwill visit, INS Kuthar handed over refurbished essential items to the Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) Suraksha, a gesture that reflects India’s continued support to enhancing Sri Lanka’s maritime security infrastructure. This initiative aligns with India’s ‘Neighborhood First’ policy, strengthening defense ties and operational collaboration with the Sri Lankan Navy.
High-Level Engagements and Training Initiatives
During the visit, Commander Nitin Sharma met Rear Admiral M.H.C.J. Silva, Commander of the Western Naval Area (WNA) of the Sri Lanka Navy, for discussions on maritime cooperation, regional security, and enhanced operational interoperability between both navies.
Additionally, a special briefing session was conducted onboard INS Kuthar for Sri Lankan Navy personnel. The training exchange programs will provide valuable insights into naval strategies, operational capabilities, and best practices in maritime security.
Beyond official engagements, the crew of INS Kuthar will have the opportunity to explore Colombo’s cultural and historical landmarks. The visit allows for deeper cultural exchanges, fostering camaraderie between Indian and Sri Lankan naval personnel.
INS Kuthar is scheduled to depart Colombo on March 6, 2025, concluding a visit aimed at reinforcing the deep-rooted maritime collaboration between the two nations.
INS Kuthar’s visit reaffirms India’s commitment to regional maritime stability, humanitarian cooperation, and fostering stronger diplomatic and cultural connections with Sri Lanka. With naval ties at an all-time high and tourism prospects expanding, India and Sri Lanka are set to navigate a future of even closer collaboration.
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