The Indian Naval Ship Magar, which is part of the Eastern Fleet of the Indian Navy, arrived in Trincomalee harbour on 10th April 2010 for a visit aimed at further enhancing the training ties between the Indian and Sri Lankan Navies. The Commanding Officer of the ship, Commander Simon Mathai, called on Rear Admiral Jayanth Colombage, Commander Eastern Naval Area. The same evening, the ship hosted a reception on board which was attended by members of the Eastern Provincial Council, Sri Lankan Navy, Air Force and Army personnel, as well as members of civil society. The High Commissioner of India, Mr. Ashok K. Kantha, warmly welcomed the guests, including the Hon. Governor of the Eastern Province.

The INS Magar belongs to a class of landing ships that are used in the role of amphibious warfare by the Indian Navy. The ship, which is based at Vishakapatnam on India's East Coast, is the first foreign naval ship to call on Trincomalee port in nearly five years. After interaction with their counterparts in Trincomalee during which the Indian Naval personnel witnessed a Special Boat Squadron demonstration, INS Magar sailed with Sri Lankan Naval Ship Samudura for a joint training exercise held at sea on 12 – 13 April 2010. About 115 Sri Lankan naval officer under trainees and a number of sailors were embarked on board INS Magar. During the joint exercise, trainees were imparted practical training in navigation, communication, seamanship, damage control and fire-fighting exercises. A number of cultural and social interactions also took place during the exercise.

The visit of INS Magar to Trincomalee reflects the long-standing and close ties between the Indian and Sri Lankan navies and contributes to bilateral relations by strengthening the bonds of friendship and understanding between the two countries.