INS Sharda completed her visit to Colombo, Sri Lanka on 13 June 2026. This successful voyage further strengthened the maritime cooperation and friendship between India and Sri Lanka. During the visit, several professional, training and sports-related activities were carried out in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Navy. Also, the navies of both the countries strengthened their maritime cooperation.
As part of capacity-building efforts, Sri Lanka Navy personnel participated in training sessions on handling of small arms, basic fire fighting techniques, first aid and rescue procedures. Rear Admiral Jagat Kumar, Commander, Western Naval Area, Sri Lanka Navy, visited the ship and interacted with the crew, reaffirming the strong maritime partnership between the two countries.
Improved coordination and mutual understanding
Activities such as friendly sports matches, professional exchanges and visits to each other’s ships further improved coordination and mutual understanding between the two navies. During the visit, the Commanding Officer of INS Sharda paid a courtesy call on Santosh Jha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka.
talk on security and development
The visit underlined the long-standing maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka and reiterated their shared commitment to regional maritime cooperation and security in line with the vision of ‘MAHASAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region). During this period, naval officers of both the countries also held long talks.
INS Sharda is patrol ship
INS Sharda is a Sukanya class patrol vessel of the Indian Navy. This indigenously built ship is used for anti-piracy operations and coastal security in the Indian Ocean region. Apart from this, it is an important warship deployed for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions. The ship is 102 meters long, weighs approximately 1,890 tonnes (when fully loaded) and can travel at a maximum speed of 21 knots (39 km/h). It is equipped with 40mm and 25mm anti-aircraft guns and is also capable of carrying ‘Chetak’ helicopters.
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