Indian Navy sail training ship INS Tarangini arrived at Colombo on 6 March 2026 after completing a joint sail training deployment involving trainees from the Sri Lanka Navy, marking another step in strengthening maritime cooperation and professional engagement between the two neighbouring navies.
The sail training programme included three officers and 26 trainees from the Sri Lanka Naval and Maritime Academy who embarked on board the ship at Trincomalee for the training voyage. The deployment provided Sri Lankan trainees with hands on experience in seamanship, traditional sailing techniques and ship handling under sail conditions.
During the sea sortie, the trainees underwent intensive training in sail handling, sail setting and watchkeeping procedures while operating under sail power. The training programme also allowed participants to gain practical exposure to navigation and manoeuvring of a sail training vessel.
Under the supervision of the ship’s crew, the trainees were given opportunities to actively participate in manoeuvring the vessel and performing operational tasks on board. The programme aimed to enhance their understanding of maritime operations while strengthening professional skills essential for naval service.
The deployment also created opportunities for mutual learning between the Indian Navy and the Sri Lanka Navy, contributing to enhanced interoperability and strengthening training cooperation between the two maritime forces.
On arrival at Colombo, INS Tarangini was received by representatives of the Sri Lanka Navy along with officials from the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka. The arrival marked the beginning of a three day port visit that will include a series of professional and cultural engagements between the two navies.
During the visit, the Commanding Officer of INS Tarangini met Rear Admiral Jagath Kumara, Commander Western Naval Area of the Sri Lanka Navy. Discussions during the meeting focused on strengthening naval cooperation, sharing professional experiences and exploring opportunities for future collaboration in training and maritime engagement.
Several bilateral activities have been scheduled during the port call. These include joint training sessions, professional exchanges and interactions aimed at strengthening operational understanding between personnel of the two navies.
In addition to professional engagements, the crew members from both navies will also participate in friendly sports competitions, joint yoga sessions and outreach activities designed to promote camaraderie and goodwill.
Earlier in the deployment, while the ship was berthed at Trincomalee, Dinesh Bandara, Commandant of the Sri Lanka Naval and Maritime Academy, visited INS Tarangini and interacted with the ship’s crew and the embarked Sri Lanka Navy trainees. The interaction provided an opportunity to review the training programme and discuss its objectives and outcomes.
INS Tarangini serves as the Indian Navy’s sail training ship and plays a key role in providing cadets and trainees with practical exposure to seamanship, navigation and maritime traditions. Sail training deployments are considered important for building discipline, teamwork and operational competence among naval personnel.
The joint sail training programme conducted during this voyage reflects the growing defence and maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. Regular training exchanges and operational interactions between the two navies contribute to stronger professional relationships and improved coordination in maritime security and regional cooperation.
The visit of INS Tarangini to Colombo and the successful completion of the joint training deployment underline the continued commitment of both countries to deepen naval engagement and strengthen their longstanding maritime partnership.
