Indian Navy’s INS Shalki Visits Colombo for Strengthening Maritime Ties

Colombo: The Indian Navy’s submarine, INS Shalki, arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka, for a two-day visit, underscoring the growing maritime cooperation between the two neighboring countries. The submarine received a ceremonial reception from the Sri Lanka Navy upon its arrival.

During the visit, the Commanding Officer of INS Shalki is scheduled to meet with Rear Admiral WDCU Kumarasinghe, Commander of the Western Naval Area. This meeting will be followed by a tour and briefing for Sri Lanka Navy personnel onboard the submarine. Additionally, representatives from the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Defence Forces are expected to visit INS Shalki.

INS Shalki, a Shishumar-class diesel-electric submarine, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on February 7, 1992. It holds the distinction of being the first submarine to be built in India, marking a significant milestone in the country’s naval shipbuilding history.

This visit follows previous visits by Kalvari-class submarines INS Karanj and INS Vagir to Colombo in February 2024 and June 2023, respectively. These visits, including one to celebrate the International Day of Yoga, highlight the ongoing and deepening maritime relationship between India and Sri Lanka.

The visit of INS Shalki is expected to further strengthen the maritime ties between the Indian Navy and the Sri Lanka Navy, fostering greater cooperation and understanding in the region.