Sri Lanka received a vital upgrade to its coastal defense arsenal as India gifted two advanced Personal Watercraft and safety equipment at a special event in Mirissa on Sunday. The donation targets improvements in search and rescue missions near shorelines.
Posting on social media platform X, the Indian High Commission in Colombo emphasized how this aid empowers Sri Lanka’s Coast Guard for more effective operations. The Defence Advisor from the High Commission made the official transfer to the Coast Guard’s Director of Operations.
India’s support extends beyond security gear. On April 24, under the India Health Initiative for Cooperation, Health, and Friendship (BHISMA), two mobile medical units were provided. These state-of-the-art portable hospitals can manage up to 200 emergencies at once, complete with drugs and surgical essentials for swift response.
Transported by INS Nirvik, the Indian Navy’s specialized rescue ship that arrived in Colombo on April 21, these units support the ongoing IN-SLN DIVEX 2026 drills ending April 27. The vessel’s crew also conducted a joint yoga session with Sri Lankan sailors on Saturday to enhance mental fortitude and teamwork at sea.
The Indian Navy views DIVEX as a cornerstone of Indo-Sri Lankan maritime synergy, promoting confidence-building and regional peace in the Indian Ocean. This aligns seamlessly with the SAGAR doctrine, emphasizing collective advancement in security and development.
Looking ahead, India plans to supply 50,000 9mm bullets to the Sri Lanka Navy, deepening military interoperability and friendship.
