INS Delhi, India’s first indigenously built Destroyer departed Colombo on September 3, after completing a goodwill visit.
Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay hosted a reception onboard INS Delhi on September 2. Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena was the chief guest. Ministers, Parliamentarians, Commanders of the Armed Forces of Sri Lanka and several others from all walks of life also graced the occasion.
The High Commissioner presented a ready to use HADR Medical (Aarogya Maitri) kit to the Speaker for use by the Government.
The Speaker thanked the Government of India for the special medical kit. He recalled India’s unprecedented support to Sri Lanka in 2022. The High Commissioner said that the visit of INS Delhi was symbolic of the strong bonds of friendship between the two closest maritime neighbours in the region – India and Sri Lanka.
Commanding Officer of INS Delhi, Captain Abhishek Kumar called on Commander Western Naval Area during the visit and paid respects to the Indian soldiers at the Indian Peace Keeping Forces (IPKF) memorial. The crew of the ship undertook various initiatives such as Yoga and beach cleaning along with Sri Lanka Navy. A Maritime Partnership Exercise was also conducted off Colombo, post-departure on September 3.
The ship was open for schoolchildren and the public on September 1. There were familiarisation tours of the ship and various professional interactions for Sri Lanka Navy personnel.
Indian High Commissioner Baglay exchanging mementoes with Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena
Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay with the crew members of INS Delhi