Three ships of the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS) departed Sri Lanka today (29), concluding an official visit that included a joint Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Sri Lanka Navy in the western seas.
According to the Sri Lanka Navy, the three vessels, INS Tir, INS Sujata and ICGS Sarathi, participated in a series of professional and operational engagements during their visit, aimed at strengthening cooperation between the naval forces of the two countries.
The visiting Indian naval personnel and officer under-trainees took part in professional exchange programmes, operational observation tours and friendly sporting events organised by the Sri Lanka Navy.
The visit also featured a joint beach cleanup programme and a combined musical performance by the bands of the Indian and Sri Lankan navies.
The visiting personnel also toured several cultural and historical sites across Sri Lanka.
Marking the conclusion of the visit, the three Indian vessels participated in a joint Passage Exercise with SLNS Nandimithra and Fast Attack Craft P 492 of the Sri Lanka Navy.
The exercise focused on strengthening communication, navigation coordination and operational interoperability between the two naval forces.
The Sri Lanka Navy stated that such official visits and joint exercises contribute to enhancing maritime cooperation, sharing professional expertise and strengthening the collective capacity of both countries to address common maritime challenges in the Indian Ocean Region. (Newswire)