Indian Army chief Gen MM Naravane in Sri Lanka on 5-day visit to deepen bilateral defence cooperation
During his stay, Gen Naravane will witness the ongoing bilateral military exercise Mitra Shakti that would be culminating on October 15.
FollowNew Delhi: In a major display of India attaching great importance to Sri Lanka, Indian Army chief Gen MM Naravane on Tuesday reached Colombo on a 5-day maiden visit to deepen the bilateral defence cooperation with the Sri Lankan Army.
Upon his arrival, he was welcomed by his Sri Lankan Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva.
During his stay, Gen Naravane will witness the ongoing bilateral military exercise Mitra Shakti that would be culminating on October 15.
He is also scheduled to hold discussion with political and military leadership to enhance the tie up between two neighbouring countries.
“The Army Chief will take forward the excellent defence cooperation between Sri Lanka and India through multiple meetings with senior officials of the security establishment and exchange views on various defence related issues,” the Indian Army said.
He will interact with the Service Chiefs, visit the Headquarters of the Sri Lankan Army, the Gajaba Regimental Headquarters and the Sri Lankan Military Academy.
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Senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy also reached Colombo on Tuesday and was received by senior Sri Lankan minister DV Chanaka Dinushan and Senthil Thondaman. He was on a 3-day visit to the island country on invitation of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.
During his stay, he will participate in the Navratri celebrations.
Last week, foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla was in Sri Lanka to give impetus to existing bilateral relations.
India has been raising its concerns over China’s growing influence in the island nation that poses threat to New Delhi’s interest. However, the top political leadership had assured Shringla that no activity would be allowed that poses a threat to India.
The two countries had strained relations after the Rajapaksa government cancelled a 293 million USD India-backed airport project near the Chinese port in Hambantota and a 500 million USD East Container Terminal project at the Colombo port, next to a Chinese-controlled container terminal and the China-backed Port City.
The analysts believe that the high profile visits are being seen as an attempt to rebuild the already time tested bilateral relations.
