India indicates ‘Batti Malv’ type patrol craft for SLN

India yesterday (17) indicated that plans were afoot to enhance Sri Lanka Navy’s capabilities.

A press release issued by the Indian High Commission, in Colombo, said that the visit of Fast Patrol Craft ‘Batti Malv’ to Trincomalee (May 16 and 17) is significant, in view of the potential for cooperation between India and Sri Lanka for augmenting capabilities of the Sri Lanka Navy, with similar fast patrol craft, for efficiently addressing shared challenges for maritime security in the region.

The IHC statement: “The Commanding Officer of the Indian Naval Ship, Lieutenant Commander Man Singh M. called on the Commander of Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral H.G.U.D. Kumara, at the Eastern Naval Command Headquarters. Further, various training engagements were progressed during the ship’s visit, including participation in a Yoga session in run-up to the International Yoga Day scheduled on 21 June 2023.

The ship also carried out social interaction with the schoolchildren from the Southern Province and provided assistance to improve the quality of education. Post departure the ship participated in PASSEX with Sri Lanka Navy Ship Ranadheera, off Trincomalee, yesterday (17).

It may be recalled that Indian Naval Ships Kiltan and Savitri had earlier visited Colombo, from 03-06 April 2023, to participate in SLINEX-23. Visits by Indian Navy ships aim to achieve bonhomie and interoperability between the two neighbouring navies in keeping with the vision of ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy of India,” the IHC statement added.