INS Airavat Arrives in Colombo With Key Equipment for Sri Lanka Coast Guard

Indian Naval Ship INS Airavat received a traditional welcome at Colombo port during a three-day visit that underscored the growing maritime and defence partnership between India and Sri Lanka.

The Shardul-class Landing Ship Tank arrived carrying critical spare parts for Sri Lanka Coast Guard vessel Suraksha , supplied by the Indian Coast Guard under a Government of India grant . The ship was also reported to be carrying essential items for the Sri Lanka Navy, highlighting New Delhi's continued support for its maritime neighbour.

According to the Indian High Commission in Colombo, the visit aligns with India's “Neighbourhood First” policy and the MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), which seeks to strengthen maritime cooperation and security across the Indian Ocean region.

INS Airavat arrived in Colombo on June 1 as part of an Operational Turn Around , taking on fuel and provisions before continuing its deployment. During the visit, Commanding Officer Commander I.P. Patil called on the Commander of Sri Lanka Navy's Western Naval Area, while personnel from both navies participated in professional exchanges and friendly sporting events.

The crew also joined Sri Lankan sailors in a beach-cleaning programme supporting the island nation's “Clean Sri Lanka” campaign , adding an environmental dimension to the engagement.

The visit follows a series of Indian naval assistance missions to Sri Lanka. Notably, INS Gharial delivered 650 tonnes of relief supplies after Cyclone Ditwah in December 2025 and later transported 10 Bailey bridges to aid reconstruction efforts, reflecting the expanding scope of bilateral cooperation.

The latest deployment highlights the steadily strengthening strategic relationship between India and Sri Lanka, with both countries expanding collaboration in security, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and maritime capacity-building across the Indian Ocean region.