India’s first indigenously built Destroyer, INS Delhi, concluded its successful goodwill visit to Colombo today. A reception was hosted by High Commissioner Gopal Baglay yesterday onboard INS Delhi.
Speaker of Sri Lanka’s Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, the Chief Guest at the reception, received a HADR Medical (Aarogya Maitri) kit from the High Commissioner on behalf of the Sri Lankan government. Mr. Abeyawardena expressed gratitude for India’s continued support and emphasized the close ties between the two maritime neighbors.
Commander of INS Delhi Captain Abhishek Kumar and the crew paid respects at the Indian Peace Keeping Forces memorial and engaged in activities like yoga and beach cleaning with the Sri Lanka Navy. The visit also included a Maritime Partnership Exercise.
INS Delhi opened its doors to school children and the public, fostering greater understanding, while professional interactions were held for Sri Lanka Navy personnel. This visit reflects India’s commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and the ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’ doctrine.