India has approved the transfer of military stores worth USD 5.5 million to the Sri Lanka Army on a gratis basis, further strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries.
According to the Indian High Commission, the equipment was drawn from the Indian Army’s operational stocks and dispatched aboard the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sharda following a request from Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence.
The consignment was formally handed over in Colombo in the presence of Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Sampath Thuyacontha and Sri Lanka Army Commander Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo.
Officials said the military stores would help address shortages affecting the operational preparedness of the Sri Lanka Army.
The Indian High Commission noted that over the past two years, India has approved projects worth approximately LKR 5 billion to support upgrades to Sri Lanka’s defence infrastructure, as well as training and equipment requirements.
India also highlighted its assistance following Cyclone Ditwah, during which it deployed an 80-member field hospital team that treated nearly 7,000 people and an engineer task force that constructed seven bridges while supporting the Road Development Authority.
Training continues to be a key component of bilateral defence ties, with around 1,200 Sri Lankan military personnel receiving training annually at Indian military institutions.
According to Indian officials, the latest assistance reflects India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s MAHASAGAR vision aimed at promoting regional security and growth.
