India’s Navy chief, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, commenced a significant four-day visit to Sri Lanka on Monday, September 22, 2025. The core agenda for this trip is to engage in high-level discussions with Sri Lanka’s senior military leadership, focusing on strengthening and expanding bilateral defense cooperation in the crucial maritime sector.
This pivotal visit by the Indian Navy chief is particularly noteworthy given New Delhi’s ongoing concerns regarding China’s sustained efforts to increase its strategic footprint within the island nation, a dynamic that adds a layer of urgency to these diplomatic exchanges.
During his stay in Colombo, Admiral Tripathi is scheduled to hold comprehensive discussions with the three service chiefs of Sri Lanka and other key officials. A significant highlight of his itinerary will be a meeting with Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, underscoring the high-level engagement of this visit.
Officials anticipate that the conversations will cover a wide array of subjects, with a particular focus on enhancing maritime security, boosting capabilities, facilitating joint training exercises, and exploring new avenues to deepen bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
An official statement highlighted that the Chief of Naval Staff’s engagements are designed to solidify the enduring friendship between India and Sri Lanka. These discussions aim to foster a greater mutual understanding across vital strategic and maritime interests, aligning with India’s overarching ‘MAHASAGAR’ vision.
The readout further emphasized that the visit serves as a powerful reaffirmation of the long-standing India-Sri Lanka relationship. This bond is built on principles of mutual respect, a shared trust in maritime affairs, and a collective commitment to fostering peace and stability throughout the Indian Ocean Region.
The MAHASAGAR vision, an acronym for ‘Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions,’ was first articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Mauritius in March. This initiative outlines India’s comprehensive approach to engaging with the Global South.
In addition to his bilateral meetings, Admiral Tripathi is slated to participate in the 12th Galle Dialogue in Colombo. This important forum will address the ‘Maritime Outlook of the Indian Ocean under Changing Dynamics,’ reflecting India’s keen interest in further expanding its maritime security cooperation with Sri Lanka.
Further highlighting growing strategic ties, India’s state-owned Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) announced in June its decision to acquire a controlling stake in Sri Lanka’s Colombo Dockyard PLC. This $52.96 million deal is strategically important, poised to significantly enhance India’s presence within the island nation.
The Indian Navy consistently engages with the Sri Lanka Navy through established channels, including annual defense dialogues and staff talks, fostering continuous collaboration.
Joint exercises such as the Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise (SLINEX) and various passage exercises are routinely conducted by both navies. These are complemented by regular exchanges in training programs and hydrography, reinforcing their shared commitment to regional maritime safety and expertise.