Indian Navy’s frontline warship INS Mumbai is set to arrive in Colombo on 26 August 2024 for a three-day visit. The Sri Lankan Navy will receive the ship with a ceremonial welcome.
INS Mumbai is the third of the Delhi-class destroyers, built and commissioned by the Indian Navy on 22 January 2001. It was constructed at Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai. The ship completed its mid-life upgrade and joined the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam on 8 December 2023. This will be INS Mumbai’s first visit to any Sri Lankan port and is the eighth port call by Indian ships this year. Earlier this year, Indian ships such as INS Kabra, Karanj, Kamorta, and Shalki, along with Indian Coast Guard ships Samarth, Abhinav, and Sachet, also visited.
The third of the Delhi-class destroyers
INS Mumbai will bring essential spares for the Dornier maritime patrol aircraft operated by the Sri Lanka Air Force. This aircraft has been crucial for surveillance over Sri Lanka’s Sea Area of Responsibility (AOR) since its induction two years ago and has significantly improved search and rescue operations within Sri Lanka’s vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). In addition to providing training for Sri Lankan Air Force pilots and flight navigators, the Indian Navy is also supporting the aircraft’s maintenance with a technical team and spare parts. Earlier this year, INS Kabra and ICGS Sachet had brought spare parts for the Sri Lanka Coast Guard ship Suraksha.
During its stay in Colombo, INS Mumbai will conduct a familiarization tour for Sri Lankan Navy personnel to share best practices between the two navies. It is worth noting that earlier this month, the submarine Shalki hosted students and cadets from the Naval and Maritime Academy in Trincomalee for a specialized course, adding value to their training. The Indian Navy also offers various specialist courses, including in hydrography, in India to help build the Sri Lankan Navy’s capacity.
Upon arrival, the Commanding Officer of INS Mumbai will meet with the Commander of the Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral W.D.C.U Kumarasinghe, at the Western Naval Area Headquarters. The ship will also engage in joint activities with the Sri Lankan Navy, including sports, yoga, and beach cleaning.
Indian Naval ships traditionally make port calls at Sri Lankan ports while transiting between the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. This visit will serve as an Operational Turn Around (OTR), where the ship will replenish fuel and provisions, allow the crew to rest and recuperate, and provide an opportunity for them to explore important sites and popular tourist attractions in Colombo and Galle. INS Mumbai will depart Colombo on 29 August 2024.
