INS Udaygiri Arrives in Colombo as Rajnath Singh Strengthens India-Sri Lanka Maritime Ties

Key facts

• INS Udaygiri, an indigenously constructed multi-role stealth frigate, arrived at Colombo, Sri Lanka, for a three-day operational visit from 08-11 September 2026, coinciding with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to Sri Lanka.
• During a deck reception onboard INS Udaygiri, Rajnath Singh handed over spares for the Indra MK 2 Radar for the Sri Lankan Air Force, spares for Sri Lankan Navy Ship SAYURA, and inflatable targets to Sri Lankan officials.
• The visit aims to strengthen maritime cooperation through Mobile Training Teams, experience sharing, and provision of machinery and equipment spares to the Sri Lanka Armed Forces, in line with India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and the MAHASAGAR vision.
• Rajnath Singh proposed an integrated Maritime Domain Awareness system between India and Sri Lanka to provide real-time maritime information, addressing challenges such as illegal fishing, suspicious vessel tracking, narcotics trafficking, smuggling and terrorism.
• INS Udaygiri was among the first responders during Cyclone Ditwah, delivering relief assistance to Sri Lanka.