Article Posted on : - Dec 10, 2010

Indian Navy Chief Admiral Nirmal Verma.

NEW DELHI (PTI): Indian Navy Chief Admiral Nirmal Verma is on a four-day visit to Sri Lanka, to attend their Navy Day and meet their top military leadership, when issues of maritime security such as anti-piracy operations in Indian Ocean would be discussed.

Verma, who joined the events to mark Lankan Navy's 60th anniversary, will also participate in a multi-lateral maritime symposium organised by Sri Lanka on the occasion.

"The Sri Lankan Navy celebrates its 60th anniversary on Thursday. Admiral Nirmal Verma is in attendance as a guest for the celebrations. IN ships Mysore and Tarangini are on a port visit to Colombo in association with the celebrations," a Navy press release said here.

Navy chiefs of Australia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, United Arab Emirates and Maldives are also attending the events.

"The four-day celebrations include a symposium on maritime matters, a sailing competition and other interactions between the various participants," the release said.

Indian Navy has an enduring relationship with the Sri Lankan Navy and India is committed to building the capacity and enhancing the capability of the Lankan Navy, it said.

"The Indian government has extended a line of credit of USD 100 million towards this effort. India had gifted an Offshore Patrol vessel (OPV) to the Sri Lankan Navy, now operated as SLN Sayura. In addition two Coast Guard OPVs are also on lease to the Lankan Navy. The Indian Navy also provides extensive training support for them," it said.

During the visit, Verma would also discuss various maritime security issues in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), in particular anti-piracy operations against the sea brigands, who had dared to attack merchant vessels in the IOR closer to the nations participating in the symposium.