The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Mumbai arrived at the port of Colombo on Monday for a three-day visit to Sri Lanka. This marks the ship’s inaugural port call in the island nation and is the eighth visit by Indian naval ships this year.
The 163-meter-long destroyer, manned by a crew of 410, was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in a ceremony adhering to naval traditions. INS Mumbai’s commander, Captain Sandeep Kumar, met with Rear Admiral Chinthaka Kumarasinghe, Commander of the Western Naval Area, at the Western Naval Command Headquarters.
During its stay, INS Mumbai’s crew will explore some of Colombo’s tourist spots. Additionally, the ship will host a briefing for Sri Lanka Navy personnel on its operational functions. The visit will also include joint activities such as sports events, Yoga sessions, and beach cleanups.
A key component of the visit includes delivering essential spares for the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF)-operated Dornier maritime patrol aircraft. The Indian Navy, which provides training and technical support for these aircraft, will continue its support through this visit.
The visit will conclude with a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with a Sri Lanka Navy vessel off the coast of Colombo on August 29. INS Mumbai, commissioned into the Indian Navy on January 22, 2001, is the third destroyer of the Delhi class.