Archive · 28 Aug 2026
India, Sri Lanka Review Defence Ties, Expand Joint Training
India and Sri Lanka are working together to improve their defence relationship.
Sri Lankan Navy Commander Vice-Admiral Damian Fernando visited India for three days.
He met several senior Indian defence officials in New Delhi.
The officials reviewed projects already planned between the two countries.
They also discussed new joint military training and ways to build capabilities.
India and Sri Lanka talked about improving safety at sea.
They said cooperation could help support peace in the Indian Ocean region.
The meetings were part of efforts to deepen the two countries' strategic partnership.
India and Sri Lanka reviewed existing bilateral defence cooperation during a high-level meeting in New Delhi.
General N.S. Raja Subramani and Vice-Admiral Damian Fernando discussed joint military training and capacity enhancement.
Fernando met Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh to review initiatives under the Bilateral Defence Cooperation Plan.
Fernando and Indian Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan discussed strengthening maritime security cooperation.
The engagements reaffirmed commitments to peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region and India's MAHASAGAR vision.
- Who
- Indian defence officials, General N.S. Raja Subramani, Vice-Admiral Damian Fernando, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, and Admiral Krishna Swaminathan.
- What
- India and Sri Lanka reviewed bilateral defence cooperation and discussed joint training, capacity-building, and maritime security.
- When
- The discussions took place on Thursday during Fernando's three-day official visit to India.
- Where
- New Delhi, India, including the South Block Lawns.
- Why
- To strengthen bilateral defence and maritime security cooperation and support peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region.
- Visiting official
- Vice-Admiral Damian Fernando, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy
- Indian counterpart
- General N.S. Raja Subramani, Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed Forces
- Defence plan
- The Bilateral Defence Cooperation Plan between India and Sri Lanka
- Main areas
- Joint military training, capacity enhancement, institutionalised training, and maritime security
- Visit duration
- Three days
- Location
- New Delhi, India
- Regional focus
- Peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region