Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi held talks with Sri Lankan defence officials on Thursday, focusing on cooperation in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and enhancing collaboration between the two nations in areas of shared interest.
The Indian Army Chief met Sri Lanka’s Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara and Defence Secretary Sampath Thuyacontha.
According to the Indian Army, the discussions centred on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and enhancing military-to-military engagement, including cooperation in HADR, while reinforcing collaboration in areas of mutual interest. The talks underscored the shared commitment of India and Sri Lanka towards regional security, stability and an enduring defence partnership.
Earlier in November 2025, India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu as a ‘First Responder’ in the immediate aftermath of the devastating Cyclone Ditwah to provide urgent HADR support to Sri Lanka.
Cyclone Ditwah triggered widespread flooding, landslides and large-scale infrastructure damage across Sri Lanka, overwhelming the country’s disaster-response mechanisms.
Earlier, General Dwivedi reviewed the Guard of Honour at the Sri Lankan Army Headquarters in Colombo and interacted with Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lankan Army.
“The deliberations centred on further strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, deepening military-to-military ties and reaffirming the shared commitment of both nations to regional peace and security. On the occasion, military vehicles, ambulances and training simulators were also handed over, further reinforcing defence cooperation and the enduring bonds of friendship between the two nations,” the Indian Army posted on X.
On Wednesday, the Indian Army Chief met Major General K.W. Jayaweera, Commandant of Sri Lanka’s Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC), and witnessed the inauguration of the ‘Indo-Lanka Wisdom Corner’ at the DSCSC library.
Addressing the faculty and student officers, General Dwivedi spoke on the evolving global security landscape, the changing nature of modern warfare and its operational implications. He highlighted the pivotal role of the armed forces in nation-building and emphasised the need to integrate niche and emerging technologies into military operations.
The Army Chief also encouraged student officers to continually enhance their professional competence to emerge as capable and effective leaders.
–IANS
