High-Level Meeting held between Indian and Sri Lankan Coast Guards

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) held a High-Level Meeting (HLM) with Sri Lanka Coast Guard at Coast Guard Headquarters in New Delhi to discuss issues of mutual safety and security. The Indian side was led by K Natarajan, Director General, Coast Guard while Sri Lankan delegation was headed by Rear Admiral Samantha Wimalathunge. A four member delegation of Sri Lanka Coast Guard is on an official visit to India from 19–23 August 2019.

Highlights of High-Level Meeting

HLM took place under provisions of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between two sides (India-Sri Lanka) for establishment of a collaborative relationship to combat transnational illegal activities at sea and develop regional co-operation.

Both sides agreed to strengthen co-operation in addressing a spectrum of maritime issues concerning safety and security.

Both sides discussed and agreed to continue capacity building of Sri Lanka Coast Guard by Indian Coast Guard, training of Sri Lanka Coast Guard personnel and mutual co-operation in multilateral forums.

Recent Developments: Apprehension of 2 fishing boats involved in drug trafficking by Sri Lanka based on information exchange undertaken by Indian Coast Guard invoking MoU was recognised as an important enabler for pursuing further collaborative response to emerging situations at sea.

Month: Current Affairs - August, 2019