INS Tarangini Reaches Colombo After Joint Sail Training with Sri Lanka Navy

The Indian Navy's sail training ship INS Tarangini arrived at Colombo on March 6, 2026, after completing a sail training deployment with trainees from the Sri Lanka Navy, marking another milestone in the expanding maritime cooperation between the two countries.

During the deployment, three officers and 26 trainees from the Sri Lanka Naval and Maritime Academy embarked on the ship at Trincomalee to participate in a specialised sail training programme aimed at strengthening professional skills and interoperability between the two navies.

Hands-On Sail Training at Sea

During the sea sortie, Sri Lankan trainees underwent intensive practical training that included sail setting, watchkeeping under sail and ship manoeuvring techniques.

The training voyage provided the trainees with opportunities to actively participate in sailing operations under the guidance of the ship's crew. Through hands-on experience, they learned the fundamentals of operating a sail training vessel while also gaining insights into maritime discipline, teamwork and navigation.

Officials said the training deployment helped enhance mutual learning, seamanship skills and operational coordination between personnel of the Indian Navy and Sri Lanka Navy.

Strengthening India–Sri Lanka Maritime Cooperation

Upon arrival at Colombo, INS Tarangini was received by representatives of the Sri Lanka Navy and officials from the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka.

The Commanding Officer of INS Tarangini also called on Rear Admiral Jagath Kumara, Commander Western Naval Area of the Sri Lanka Navy, where both sides discussed opportunities to expand naval cooperation and share best practices in maritime training.

The visit forms part of ongoing efforts by both countries to deepen naval collaboration, training exchanges and maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.

Bilateral Activities During Port Call

During its three-day port call in Colombo, the ship will participate in several bilateral activities with the Sri Lanka Navy. These include professional exchanges, joint training interactions and community outreach initiatives.

Crew members from both navies are also scheduled to take part in friendly sports fixtures, joint yoga sessions and cultural interactions, aimed at strengthening camaraderie and people-to-people ties between the two maritime forces.

Earlier Interaction in Trincomalee

Prior to the voyage, Commodore Dinesh Bandara, Commandant of the Sri Lanka Naval and Maritime Academy, visited INS Tarangini at Trincomalee and interacted with the Indian Navy crew and Sri Lankan trainees participating in the sail training programme.

Officials said the initiative reflects the growing depth of India–Sri Lanka defence cooperation, particularly in the field of maritime training and capacity building.

The sail training deployment aboard INS Tarangini continues to serve as an important platform for strengthening professional exchanges and fostering stronger naval partnerships between the two neighbouring countries.