High Commission of India
Colombo

 PRESS RELEASE

Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sharda visit to Colombo

    Indian Naval Ship ‘Sharda’, a Sukanya - Class Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) will visit Colombo from 10-13 June 2026 for Operational Turnaround (OTR) and transshipment of stores from Indian Army for Sri Lanka Army’s deployment in UN mission. The items will be formally handed over in a ceremony at the Ministry of Defence on 16 June 2026.

2. On arrival, the Commanding Officer of the Ship, Commander Kartik Sachdeva will be calling on the Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral SJ Kumara and the ship’s crew will have professional and sports interaction with Sri Lanka Navy.

3. In the run up to International Day of Yoga, a joint yoga session is being planned for the ship’s crew and SLN personnel towards showcasing it’s benefits for achieving physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

4. Visits by Indian Navy vessels to Sri Lanka aim to further strengthen the strong bonds between both friendly Navies, which is in line with India’s policy of ‘Neighbourhood First’ and Hon’ble PM’s vision of ‘Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR)’.

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 Colombo
09 June 2026