August 26, Colombo (LNW): The Indian Navy’s flagship warship, INS Mumbai, is set to arrive in Colombo today for a three-day visit, where it will be ceremonially received by the Sri Lanka Navy.
The visit, announced by the Indian High Commission, underscores the deepening maritime cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
INS Mumbai is the third vessel in the Delhi-class destroyers, a symbol of India’s naval prowess, built indigenously and commissioned into service on 22 January 2001.
Constructed at Mazagon Dock Limited in its namesake city, the ship recently completed a comprehensive mid-life upgrade and rejoined the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam on 8 December 2023.
This marks INS Mumbai’s maiden visit to Sri Lanka and the eighth call by Indian naval vessels to Sri Lankan ports this year, following earlier visits by INS Kabra, Karanj, Kamorta, and Shalki, alongside Indian Coast Guard ships Samarth, Abhinav, and Sachet.
A key highlight of this visit is the delivery of critical spare parts for the Dornier maritime patrol aircraft operated by the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF). The Dornier aircraft, inducted two years ago, plays a vital role in surveillance across Sri Lanka’s expansive maritime zones and significantly enhances search and rescue operations.
The Indian Navy has been instrumental in supporting the maintenance and operation of this aircraft, providing technical assistance, spares, and training for SLAF pilots and navigators. Earlier this year, Indian ships like INS Kabra and ICGS Sachet also delivered essential spare parts for the Sri Lanka Coast Guard vessel Suraksha.
During its stay, INS Mumbai will host a familiarisation tour for Sri Lanka Navy personnel to foster knowledge exchange and share best practices. Such collaborations have been ongoing, as demonstrated by the recent visit of Sri Lankan naval cadets aboard the submarine Shalki during a previous port call.
The Indian Navy also continues to provide specialised training, including in hydrography, aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of the Sri Lanka Navy.
INS Mumbai is scheduled to depart Colombo on 29 August 2024, concluding yet another chapter in the growing defence partnership between the two nations.
