India strengthens defense ties with Sri Lanka

The NRI Nation News Desk

In a ceremony highlighting the growing cooperation and friendship between neighboring countries, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka commemorated India's 77th Independence Day by handing over a Dornier maritime reconnaissance aircraft to the Sri Lankan Air Force.

The event occurred at the Sri Lankan Air Force Base in Katunayake. High Commissioner Gopal Baglay presented the aircraft to Sagala Ratnayaka, Chief of Staff and Senior Adviser to the President on National Security. The ceremony also included senior officials from the Sri Lankan Air Force and the Defence Adviser of India.

The India-made Dornier is the second of its kind to be deployed with the Sri Lankan Air Force under a Government of India grant, succeeding the first Indian Navy Dornier aircraft that was handed over last year. 

High Commissioner Baglay underscored India's commitment to the capacity building and sustained development of Sri Lanka's Defense forces in his remarks. He further noted that bilateral cooperation would continue to strengthen, with plans for Sri Lanka to source additional Dornier aircraft from India.

“Securing our seas through the induction of this aircraft will help create a peaceful environment for the progress and prosperity of the people of our two nations,” Baglay stated, emphasizing the significance of India's “Neighborhood First” policy for Sri Lanka.

The new aircraft is anticipated to bolster the island nation's surveillance capabilities significantly.