NE DEFENCE BUREAU
NEW DELHI, MAR 1
In a significant step toward strengthening maritime cooperation and professional naval engagement, the Indian Navy’s premier sail training ship INS Tarangini arrived at Trincomalee Harbour, Sri Lanka, on February 27, 2026, for an important overseas training visit.
IndianNavy’s Sail Training Ship #INSTarangini arrived at Trincomalee on a training visit on #27Feb 2026.
During the port call, CO Tarangini called on Cmde Haritha Jayadewathe, Deputy Commander of the Eastern Naval Area, @srilanka_navy and held discussions on avenues of… pic.twitter.com/xW1AwgLTDg
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) March 1, 2026
The ship was accorded a warm and ceremonial welcome by representatives of the Eastern Naval Area of the Sri Lanka Navy, reflecting the enduring friendship and growing operational synergy between the two neighbouring maritime forces.
- Indian Navy’s iconic sail training ship receives warm Sri Lankan Navy welcome during key overseas training deployment
- Joint sail training, defence exchanges and trainee embarkation deepen operational cooperation and professional bonds
- Visit reinforces strategic maritime partnership and shared commitment to regional security in the Indian Ocean
The visit comes soon after INS Tarangini’s participation in the prestigious International Fleet Review 2026 at Visakhapatnam, highlighting its continued role as a symbol of India’s maritime training excellence and naval diplomacy.
Strengthening professional cooperation and training excellence
As part of the port call, the Commanding Officer of INS Tarangini called on Commodore Haritha Jayadewathe, Deputy Commander of the Eastern Naval Area, where discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in sail training and expanding avenues for professional exchange between the two navies.
During the visit, the ship opened its decks to Sri Lankan defence personnel, trainee officers and their families for familiarisation tours, offering a firsthand glimpse into the Indian Navy’s sail training traditions and operational capabilities.
A key highlight of the engagement will see selected trainee officers from the Sri Lankan Naval and Maritime Academy embarking onboard INS Tarangini for a training passage to Colombo.
“During the passage, the trainees will be exposed to various facets of sail training.”
This hands-on exposure will provide valuable practical experience in seamanship, navigation, teamwork and leadership—core skills essential for naval professionals.
A symbol of maritime diplomacy and strategic partnership
Community outreach activities and training exchanges scheduled during the port call are expected to further deepen mutual understanding and strengthen naval cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.
The visit reflects India’s broader vision of fostering maritime partnerships, promoting regional stability and enhancing professional capacity-building among friendly foreign navies.
“The visit of INS Tarangini underscores longstanding maritime ties and growing cooperation between the Indian Navy and the Sri Lanka Navy.”
As a sail training ship, INS Tarangini plays a crucial role in shaping future naval leaders while also serving as a floating ambassador of India’s maritime heritage and strategic goodwill.
The Trincomalee port call stands as another milestone in the evolving India–Sri Lanka naval partnership, reinforcing shared commitments to maritime security, cooperation and peace in the Indian Ocean Region.
