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Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi Visits Sri Lanka to Deepen Defence Ties

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has proceeded on an official visit to Sri Lanka following his trip to the UAE. The visit aims to deepen bilateral defence cooperation and mutual understanding between the two nations. It includes high-level meetings with Sri Lankan military and civil leadership to discuss training, capacity building, and regional security. The visit also takes place in the context of India's humanitarian Operation Sagar Bandhu and will see the General pay homage at the IPKF War Memorial.

Key Points: COAS Upendra Dwivedi Visits Sri Lanka for Defence Talks

  • Strengthening bilateral defence cooperation
  • Enhancing military-to-military ties
  • Discussing training and capacity building
  • Honouring Indian soldiers at IPKF memorial
2 min read

COAS General Upendra Dwivedi to visit Sri Lanka on January 7

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi begins an official visit to Sri Lanka to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and military ties.

"The visit underscores the strong commitment of both nations to enhance mutual understanding - ADGPI"

New Delhi, January 7

COAS General Upendra Dwivedi proceeded on an official visit to Sri Lanka on Tuesday, after completing his visit to the United Arab Emirates. The COAS' visit to Sri Lanka underscores the strong commitment between the two countries to deepen ties. His visit also comes against the backdrop of Operation Sagar Bandhu, according to an official statement from the ADGPI.

In a post on X, the ADGPI said, "General Upendra Dwivedi COAS, proceeded on an official visit to Sri Lanka today. The visit underscores the strong commitment of both nations to enhance mutual understanding, deepen cooperation in areas of shared interest and further strengthen bilateral Defence Cooperation. The visit takes place against the backdrop of Operation Sagar Bandhu, reflecting India's enduring brotherhood with our steadfast partner."

Operation Sagar Bandhu was launched to provide humanitarian assistance to people in Sri Lanka affected by Cyclone Ditwah, under which New Delhi sent relief supplies and helped Colombo restore connectivity.

Recently, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka shared on Sunday that Indian Army Engineers have commenced launching a 100-ft Bailey Bridge in Kandy to restore connectivity in the region. The COAS' visit comes as part of India's continued engagement to strengthen defence cooperation and military-to-military ties with friendly foreign countries.

Ministry of Defence had informed earlier that the COAS will visit Sri Lanka from 7-8 January. On arrival, the COAS will be accorded a Guard of Honour by the Sri Lanka Army.

He will engage with senior military and civil leadership, including the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, the Deputy Minister of Defence, and the Defence Secretary, and hold detailed discussions on matters of mutual interest, including training cooperation, capacity building, and regional security.

During the visit, the COAS will address officers at the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) and interact with officers and trainees at the Army War College, Buttala, reflecting India's strong commitment to defence education and professional military exchanges with Sri Lanka.

General Dwivedi will also pay homage at the IPKF War Memorial, honouring the supreme sacrifice of Indian soldiers, the MoD further said.

The visit of the Chief of the Army Staff to the UAE and Sri Lanka reaffirms India's commitment to strengthening defence cooperation, fostering mutual trust and enhancing interoperability with friendly nations in the Indian Ocean Region and West Asia.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
Good to see our military leadership engaging with neighbours. Capacity building and training cooperation are key for regional stability. Hope this also helps counter any undue external influence in the Indian Ocean.
S
Sarah B
The humanitarian aspect of Operation Sagar Bandhu is commendable. The bridge building in Kandy is tangible help that directly impacts people's lives. This is how soft power should work.
A
Arjun K
Paying homage at the IPKF War Memorial is a significant gesture. We must always remember the sacrifices of our soldiers. Jai Hind.
V
Vikram M
While I support stronger ties, I hope these discussions are transparent and focus on mutual benefit. Sometimes these high-level visits become more about ceremony than concrete outcomes. Let's hope for a substantive result.
K
Kavya N
Strong neighbours make a strong region. India's role as a first responder in disasters and now deepening defence ties is the right approach. Our shared history and culture with Sri Lanka is a solid foundation.

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