In a powerful blend of remembrance and realpolitik, India’s Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi’s two-day visit to Sri Lanka has underscored both the enduring legacy of India’s past military engagement on the island and a renewed push to deepen defence cooperation amid a rapidly evolving regional security landscape.
How did the Indian Army chief pay tribute to fallen heroes?
At the heart of the visit was General Dwivedi’s solemn tribute at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial in Colombo, where he laid a wreath in honour of Indian soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during Operation Pawan.
The gesture, rich in symbolism, reaffirmed India’s respect for the nearly 1,300 troops who lost their lives during the IPKF’s deployment between 1987 and 1990, India’s first major overseas peacekeeping mission under the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord.
The operation, conducted in intense counter-insurgency conditions against the LTTE, remains a defining chapter in India-Sri Lanka military history and a reminder of the costs of regional stability.
How did the Indian Army chief take forward the defence ties?
However, the visit was not just about the past. General Dwivedi’s engagements clearly signalled a forward-looking defence partnership.
At Sri Lanka Army Headquarters, he reviewed a Guard of Honour and held detailed discussions with Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army.
Talks focused on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, enhancing military-to-military ties, and reaffirming a shared commitment to peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region.
Marking tangible cooperation, the Indian Army Chief also handed over military vehicles, ambulances, and training simulators, boosting Sri Lanka’s operational and training capabilities.
What was the Indian Army chief’s message to the Sri Lankan military officers?
A key highlight of the visit was General Dwivedi’s interaction with the next generation of military leaders at the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC), where he met Commandant Major General K W Jayaweera and inaugurated the “Indo-Lanka Wisdom Corner” at the college library.
Addressing faculty and student officers, the COAS spoke candidly about the evolving global security environment, the changing character of warfare, and the growing importance of niche and emerging technologies in modern military operations.
Emphasising the armed forces’ role in nation-building, he urged officers to continuously sharpen their professional competence to remain effective leaders in complex conflict scenarios.
What is the broader strategic context of the Sri Lanka visit?
The broader strategic context of the visit adds to its significance. It comes against the backdrop of Operation Sagar Bandhu, India’s rapid humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission launched after Cyclone Ditwah devastated Sri Lanka last year.
As the first responder, India’s swift support reinforced its role as a reliable security and humanitarian partner in the region.
According to India’s Ministry of Defence, General Dwivedi’s engagements with Sri Lanka’s senior military and civil leadership, including the Deputy Defence Minister and Defence Secretary, aimed to expand cooperation in training, capacity building, and regional security.
The visit, following his engagements in the UAE, reflects India’s wider strategy of strengthening interoperability and trust with friendly nations across the Indian Ocean Region.
From honouring fallen peacekeepers to shaping future-ready forces, General Dwivedi’s Sri Lanka visit sends a clear message: India and Sri Lanka are intent on transforming shared history into a deeper, more resilient defence partnership.