INS Delhi, the first indigenously designed and built guided missile destroyer by the Indian Navy, arrived in Colombo on September 1, 2023. The ship is on a two-day visit coinciding with the visit of Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh in Sri Lanka.
The Raksha Mantri will host the Honorable President of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremsinghe, along with other important dignitaries on board the INS Delhi on 2 September 2023.
Furthermore, as part of India’s ‘Arogya Maitri’ initiative to provide quality medical supplies to friendly countries, the Raksha Mantri will deliver state-of-the-art medical bricks which have been indigenously developed under the BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri), aboard the INS Delhi.
The ship’s visit aims to strengthen inter-navy ties and strengthen bridges of friendship with India’s trusted neighbour. The INS Delhi crew will interact closely with Sri Lanka Navy personnel, both through professional engagements to improve interoperability, and by creating environmental and health awareness through a beach clean-up drive and a yoga session. The ship would also remain open to school children and other local visitors. The Indian contingent will also lay a wreath and pay homage to the martyrs at the IPKF memorial.
INS Delhi was commissioned in November 1997 and is currently commanded by Captain Abhishek Kumar. The vessel has recently undergone a mid-life upgrade and is equipped with the very latest weapons and sensors, making her a formidable platform capable of tackling all aspects of maritime operations: above ground, in the air and underwater.
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VM/JSN