Indian Navy’s Sail Training Ship INS Tarangini arrived in Colombo on 6 March 2026 after completing sail training of Sri Lanka Navy Seariders. Three officers and 26 trainees from the Sri Lanka Naval and Maritime Academy had embarked the ship at Trincomalee for the sail training deployment. 

During the sea sortie, the trainees underwent an intensive sail training and were exposed to nuances of sail setting and watchkeeping under sails. The passage provided extensive opportunities for the trainees to manoeuvre and handle the ship under the guidance of the ship’s crew. The training deployment further bolstered mutual learning and interoperability between the two Navies, strengthening maritime cooperation and training engagement.

Upon arrival at Colombo, the ship was received by representatives of the Sri Lanka Navy along with officials from the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka. The Commanding Officer of INS Tarangini called on Rear Admiral Jagath Kumara, Commander Western Naval Area, and discussed avenues to enhance naval cooperation and share best practices. During the three-day port call, the ship undertook various bilateral training activities with the Sri Lanka Navy. In addition to professional exchanges, the crew from both Navies participated in friendly sports fixtures, joint yoga sessions and outreach activities.

Earlier, at Trincomalee, Cmde Dinesh Bandara, Commandant of the Sri Lanka Naval and Maritime Academy, visited the ship and interacted with the crew and embarked SLN seariders. The training deployment serves as another chapter in the growing India-Sri Lanka maritime partnership.