Archive · 10 Sep 2026
INS Udaygiri Visit Highlights India’s Defence Ties with Sri Lanka
An Indian navy ship called INS Udaygiri visited Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the visit showed that India wants to work closely with Sri Lanka.
The ship’s crew will meet Sri Lankan sailors and visit cultural places.
INS Udaygiri had also helped Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah.
India gave Sri Lankan officials equipment for aircraft and navy use.
Singh said India and Sri Lanka share close historical and cultural ties.
He also said the two countries want to cooperate more on safety in the Indian Ocean.
India plans to help build an Artificial Intelligence Lab for the Sri Lankan Army.
INS Udaygiri arrived at Colombo Port on Tuesday during Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s Sri Lanka visit.
Singh said the ship’s visit demonstrated India’s commitment to working closely with Sri Lanka.
The frigate’s crew will participate in goodwill activities with the Sri Lanka Navy and visit cultural and tourist sites.
The ship previously delivered relief assistance to Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah.
India handed over radar, naval-ship and training-target components to Sri Lankan officials and plans to help create an Artificial Intelligence Lab for the Sri Lankan Army.
- Who
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, INS Udaygiri, and Sri Lankan defence officials.
- What
- INS Udaygiri visited Colombo as part of India-Sri Lanka defence and goodwill cooperation, while India provided equipment and announced plans for an Artificial Intelligence Lab.
- When
- The ship arrived on Tuesday, and Singh spoke about the visit on Wednesday.
- Where
- Colombo Port, Sri Lanka.
- Why
- To strengthen bilateral defence cooperation, support Sri Lankan capabilities, and demonstrate India’s commitment to Sri Lanka.
- Ship
- INS Udaygiri, an indigenously built stealth guided-missile frigate
- Port of call
- Colombo Port, Sri Lanka
- Relief role
- The ship was among the first responders after Cyclone Ditwah and delivered relief assistance
- Equipment delivered
- Indra MK 2 radar spares, spares for Sri Lanka Navy ship SAYURA, and inflatable naval targets
- Planned cooperation
- India and Sri Lanka will work together to create an Artificial Intelligence Lab for the Sri Lankan Army
- Indian official
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led a high-level delegation to Sri Lanka
- Broader focus
- Maritime cooperation and capacity building for the Sri Lankan Armed Forces