COLOMBO: The Indian submarine INS Vela has docked in Sri Lanka for a three-day visit, according to the Indian High Commission. Measuring 67.5 meters in length and manned by a crew of 53, the submarine is commanded by Commander Kapil Kumar. INS Vela is a state-of-the-art Kalvari-class diesel-electric submarine, which officially joined the Indian Navy on November 25, 2021.
During its stay in Colombo, the crew of INS Vela is set to engage in various activities organized by the Sri Lankan Navy, aiming to enhance the collaborative spirit and camaraderie between the maritime forces of the two nations. As part of the visit, personnel from the Sri Lanka Navy will have the opportunity to tour the submarine and participate in an awareness program focused on its operational capabilities.
In addition to the official engagements, the crew members are looking forward to experiencing some of Sri Lanka’s notable tourist attractions. The submarine is scheduled to conclude its visit and depart from the island on November 13. This stop is characterized as an Operational Turn Around (OTR), during which the submarine will replenish necessary provisions, as noted by the Indian embassy.
The regular port calls by Indian Navy and Coast Guard vessels, including submarines, underscore the ongoing maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. This visit is seen as a commitment to strengthen bilateral relations and reflects India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy along with the vision of ‘SAGAR’—an acronym for “Security and Growth for all in the Region.”
As part of the diplomatic engagements, Commander Kapil Kumar is expected to meet with Rear Admiral WDCU Kumarasinghe, the Commander of the Western Naval Area, at the Western Naval Headquarters. Additionally, personnel from both the Sri Lanka Navy and the Indian High Commission are set to visit the submarine. A friendly basketball match has also been planned between the submarine crew and Sri Lanka Navy personnel at the Sri Lanka Naval Base in Welisara, aiming to further foster goodwill between the two maritime forces.
