High Commission of India

Colombo

PRESS RELEASE

Indian Naval Ship Udaygiri Visits Colombo:  8–11 September 2026

INS Udaygiri, Indian Navy’s indigenously built multi-role stealth frigate, arrived at Colombo on 08 Sep 2026 for a three-day Operational Turnaround (OTR). The ship’s visit coincides with the landmark visit of Hon’ble Defence Minister of India, Shri Rajnath Singh to Sri Lanka.

2. The visit aimsto enhance bilateral cooperation with Sri Lanka Navy through technical training and experiences sharing through a mobile training team.  The ship also has brought essential machinery/equipment spares for Sri Lanka Navy and Sri Lanka Air Force.
   
   
3. The Commanding Officer of the ship Captain Vikas Sood, will formally Call on RAdm GHSE De Silva, Commander Western Naval Area of Sri Lanka Navy. Also, as part of the visit of Hon’ble Defence Minister of India, a reception is planned onboard the ship to host Sri Lankan dignitaries. Further, the ship’s crew will have professional and sports interaction with Sri Lanka Navy, and will join hands with Sri Lanka Navy in a beach cleaning programme in Colombo in support of the ‘Clean Sri Lanka Campaign’.
   
   
4. INS Udaygiri had earlier visited Colombo along with INS Vikrant, the aircraft carrier of Indian Navy in November 2025 to participate in SLN IFR-2025. The ship participated in HADR operations during Cyclone Ditwah by providing immediate relief material, cementing India's role as the first responder for its closest maritime neighbour, further strengthening the existing bonds of friendship between both Nations.
   
   
5. Visits of Indian Navy vessels to Sri Lanka underscores India’s unwavering commitment towards realising the vision of ‘Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR)’ and India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.

***

Colombo

08 September 2026