
INS
Sharda departed Colombo, Sri Lanka on 13 June 2026 after a successful
port call that further strengthened maritime cooperation and friendship between
India and Sri Lanka. The visit featured a series of professional, training, and
sporting engagements with the Sri Lankan Navy.
As
part of capacity-building initiatives, Sri Lankan Navy personnel participated
in small arms handling, basic firefighting, first aid, and rescue procedures.
During the visit, RAdm Jagath Kumara, Commander Western Naval Area, Sri Lanka
Navy, visited the ship and interacted with the crew, reaffirming the strong
maritime partnership between the two nations.
Friendly
sports fixtures, professional exchanges, and cross-deck visits further enhanced
interoperability and strengthened bonds between the two services. During the
port call, the Commanding Officer of INS Sharda paid a courtesy call on Santosh
Jha, high commissioner of India to Sri Lanka.
The
visit underscored the enduring maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka
and reaffirmed their shared commitment to regional maritime cooperation and
security in line with the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic
Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).