In sign of growing defence cooperation, India and Sri Lanka to increase complexity of bilateral exercises

The 7th Annual Defence Dialogue between India and Sri Lanka on Thursday saw the two sides agreeing to increase the complexity of their bilateral exercises. During the meeting, the ongoing defence cooperation activities between the two countries were reviewed, with both sides agreeing to increase the complexity of bilateral exercises, India's Ministry of Defence said. In the context of training, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to avail maximum benefits from each other’s experience and capacities, the ministry added. The dialogue was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and his Sri Lankan counterpart General Kamal Gunaratne. Defence Secretary Aramane thanked General Gunaratne and his delegation for a fruitful dialogue and stated that India looks forward to continued engagement based on the common understanding reached at the dialogue. The Indian delegation for the dialogue also included officials from the Ministry of Defence, Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, Service Headquarters and Ministry of External Affairs. The Sri Lankan delegation included Commander of Sri Lankan Air Force Air Marshal SK Pathirana amongst other senior dignitaries. This Annual Defence Dialogue is the highest institutionalised interactive mechanism between both the countries. Its significance in chartering the future course of the relations between the Armed Forces of India and Sri Lanka was highlighted by the importance given to the talks by both sides, the Ministry of Defence noted. Multi-dimensional Defence Engagement The Armed Forces of both countries continue to seek bilateral cooperation in multiple fields and increased engagements are a positive sign for the future of bilateral relations. India and Sri Lanka have a multi-dimensional bilateral engagement in defence. SLINEX (Joint Naval Exercise) and exercise MITRA SHAKTI (Joint Army Exercise) are held every year alternatively in India and Sri Lanka. Both Armed Forces also collaborate closely in dealing with common security challenges such as drug and human trafficking. In recent times, the Colombo Security Conclave has emerged as a key security platform to address such issues at a regional level. The first ever Dornier maritime reconnaissance aircraft from India to enhance the maritime surveillance capabilities of Sri Lanka was inducted into the Sri Lanka Air Force Fleet on August 15, 2022 in the august presence of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.