India recently welcomed a 16-member delegation from Sri Lanka’s National Defence College (NDC), led by Brigadier KMG Bandaranayake. This five-day strategic study tour aims to deepen bilateral defence cooperation and highlights New Delhi’s ongoing efforts to strengthen regional security ties, particularly with its maritime neighbours in the Indo-Pacific region.
The delegation’s itinerary began with a comprehensive session at the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) in New Delhi. Senior officials from India’s Army, Navy, and Air Force provided briefings on India’s strategic outlook and defence posture, focusing on operational collaboration, regional security, and military preparedness. This interaction serves as a crucial platform for fostering understanding between the two nations.
To gain deeper insights into Indian military capabilities, the delegation plans to visit key defence establishments across the country. These visits are designed to expose the Sri Lankan officials to India’s military infrastructure, training methodologies, and operational doctrines.
The significance of this high-level military exchange is underscored by the growing strategic coordination between India and Sri Lanka. Both nations are increasingly aligning their efforts to counterbalance China’s rising influence in the region. A recent report indicated that India is preparing a framework to assist Sri Lanka in modernizing its defence capabilities, which includes the supply of military hardware.
The Sri Lankan National Defence College has been proactive in enhancing international engagement, recently hosting Iran’s Defence Attaché, Colonel Mahboobi Fooladi. This visit is part of Colombo’s broader diplomatic outreach, demonstrating an intent to build relationships beyond its immediate neighbourhood.
Historically, India and Sri Lanka share a complex military relationship, notably marked by India’s intervention during the Sri Lankan civil war through the Indian Peace Keeping Force in the late 1980s. Despite these challenges, trust has steadily rebuilt over the decades. A 2021 statement from then-High Commissioner Milinda Moragoda emphasized the commitment to deepening defence and trade ties, while acknowledging historical concerns.
The ongoing visit by the Sri Lankan delegation is part of India’s larger defence diplomacy, reflected in recent joint exercises such as Exercise Sanyukt Abhyas and operational demonstrations by the Indian Navy. These engagements highlight New Delhi’s intent to enhance interoperability among regional forces and ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific.
As both countries confront evolving security threats, this delegation visit reaffirms their mutual commitment to a secure, cooperative, and rules-based regional order.
