maritime cooperation Archives - India Podcast

Sri Lankan PM Harini Amarasuriya Begins Two-Day India Visit

Anil Vanna — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 05:08:28 +0000

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya arrived in India on Thursday for her first official visit since assuming office. The two-day trip aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation across education, trade, and maritime security.

During her stay till October 18, Amarasuriya will meet top Indian leaders and deliver the keynote address at the ‘NDTV World Summit’ organised by NDTV and Chintan Research Foundation. She will also visit IIT Delhi and NITI Aayog to explore partnerships in technology, education, and innovation.

A proud alumna of Hindu College, University of Delhi, the Prime Minister will return to her alma mater for a ceremonial welcome, including a Guard of Honour, tree plantation, and cultural programs by students. Later, she will attend a business event to boost trade and investment ties between the two nations.

The visit underscores India and Sri Lanka’s growing strategic relationship under the ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘MAHASAGAR Vision’ policies. Both countries recently strengthened maritime and defence cooperation, with new agreements in energy, health, digital transformation, and cultural projects signed during earlier high-level meetings.

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India, Greece Conclude Maiden Bilateral Naval Exercise

Anil Vanna — Sat, 20 Sep 2025 12:09:04 +0000

India and Greece completed their maiden bilateral naval exercise on September 18. The two-phase drill strengthened defence cooperation and maritime security ties.The harbour phase ran from September 13 to 17 at Salamis Naval Base. During this phase, naval personnel joined cross-deck visits, professional exchanges, and a pre-sail conference on HS Themistokles, a Hellenic Navy frigate.INS Trikand, a guided-missile stealth frigate, represented India. Greece deployed frigate HS Themistokles, submarine Pipinos, and another naval submarine.

INS Trikand also hosted a cultural exchange. Guests included India’s Ambassador to Greece Rudrendra Tandon and senior Hellenic Navy officials. The event showcased Indian traditions and deepened bonds between the two forces.The sea phase took place on September 17 and 18. Both navies carried out advanced operations, including anti-submarine drills, gun firing, helicopter cross-deck flights, and night boarding exercises. Crews also practiced replenishment-at-sea.

Officials said the exercise enhanced interoperability and validated the readiness of both navies. It highlighted shared interests in safe seas, stability, and freedom of navigation.After the exercise, INS Trikand continued its deployment in the Mediterranean Sea. The successful drill underscored growing strategic convergence between India and Greece.

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Indian Navy’s Training Squadron Concludes Seychelles Visit

Sravan — Sat, 06 Sep 2025 05:27:14 +0000

The ships of the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (ITS) — INS Tir, INS Shardul, and ICGS Sarathi — completed their Long Range Training Deployment in Seychelles after a four-day visit. The deployment included professional exchanges, training exercises, and social interactions, strengthening naval ties between India and Seychelles.

The squadron left Port Victoria on Thursday. During the visit, ITS officers met Seychelles Defence Force (SDF) officials to discuss military cooperation. Capt Tijo K Joseph, Senior Officer ITS, along with commanders of INS Shardul and ICGS Sarathi, met Seychelles leaders including Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Sylvestre Radegonde and Chief of Defence Forces Major General Michael Rosette.

A reception was hosted onboard ITS ships, attended by senior SDF leadership, members of the Indian diaspora, diplomats, and distinguished guests. The event highlighted the strong partnership between the Indian Navy and the Seychelles Defence Forces.

Major General Rosette praised India’s role in maritime security and regional cooperation. He also reaffirmed Seychelles’ commitment to deeper bilateral ties with India. The visit once again proved that the Indian Navy’s Training Squadron plays a vital role in building regional friendships and maritime collaboration.

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