India, Sri Lanka Discuss Boosting Maritime Security in IOR

• India, Sri Lanka hold 13th Navy Staff Talks in Colombo
• Focus on maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean
• Naval ties reinforced through senior-level engagements

India and Sri Lanka held the 13th edition of Navy Staff Talks in Colombo, with discussions focused on strengthening bilateral engagements and enhancing ongoing cooperation towards maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), the Indian Navy said recently.

In a statement shared on social media, a spokesperson of the Indian Navy said, “13th Edition of Indian Navy – Sri Lanka Navy Staff Talks were successfully concluded on 14 Jan 26 at Colombo. Co-chaired by RAdm Srinivas Maddula, ACNS (FCI) and RAdm Ruwan Rupasena, Director General Training, Sri Lanka Navy. Talks focused on strengthening established bilateral engagements, enhancing ongoing cooperation and collaborative pursuits towards Maritime Security in IOR.”

The staff talks underline the importance both countries place on close naval coordination amid evolving security challenges in the Indian Ocean, a region critical to global trade and energy flows. India and Sri Lanka have steadily expanded maritime cooperation through regular exchanges, training interactions, joint exercises and information sharing mechanisms aimed at addressing both traditional and non-traditional threats at sea.

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“Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, CNS, addressed the participants of the National Defence College, Colombo on 23Sep 25, highlighting the deep historical, cultural and strategic ties binding India and Sri Lanka in the IOR. Reflecting on global maritime challenges — shifting geopolitics, rapid technological change and grey-zone tactics — CNS underlined three imperatives: credible capability, deeper cooperation and technological transformation,” the Indian Navy had said.

The Navy further noted that Admiral Tripathi stressed the shared dependence of both nations on the seas for economic and strategic security. “He stressed that both nations rely on the seas for economic & strategic security, citing joint operations in anti-piracy rescues and narcotics interdictions as successful examples of naval collaboration. CNS also underscored the value of platforms like the Goa Maritime Symposium and SLINEX in enhancing shared competence, while noting the role of technology in Green Initiatives and fostering innovation. CNS urged the future leaders to remain agile, people-centric and collaborative, reaffirming India’s commitment to Sri Lanka and a safe, prosperous Indian Ocean Region,” the Navy said.

During the visit, Admiral Tripathi also hosted a Deck Reception onboard the Indian Navy’s stealth frigate INS Satpura in Colombo. “Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, CNS, during his official visit to Sri Lanka, hosted a Deck Reception onboard Indian Navy’s stealth frigate INS Satpura at Colombo, reaffirming the deep maritime and cultural linkages between India and Sri Lanka,” the Indian Navy said.

The event was attended by Sri Lanka’s Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara as chief guest, along with India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha. Admiral Tripathi also held extensive discussions with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya in Colombo on strengthening the enduring maritime partnership between the two nations.