India-Sri Lanka Coast Guard Talks Focus on Enhanced Maritime Safety and Joint Training

Colombo, Sri Lanka – The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) held the 7th Annual High-Level Meeting today in Colombo, underscoring the shared commitment of both maritime forces toward addressing regional security and maritime challenges. This year’s meeting was led by a four-member ICG delegation, headed by Director General S. Paramesh, alongside the SLCG delegation led by Director General Rear Admiral Y.R. Serasinghe. The annual meeting marked a significant milestone in cooperative maritime efforts between the two nations and the ongoing collaboration between their coast guards.

The high-level discussions centred on key maritime issues facing the region, with both Coast Guards agreeing to strengthen collaboration in areas such as anti-drug trafficking operations, marine pollution control, mariner safety, capacity-building programs, and the adoption of best practices. Both delegations highlighted the importance of addressing these pressing issues with an enhanced cooperative approach, reiterating a joint commitment to uphold the security, safety, and environmental health of their shared waters. 

The meeting further reviewed the outcomes of previous cooperative efforts and outlined steps for enhancing existing protocols, training, and operational exercises. 

Strengthening Maritime Safety Through Cooperation 

Both delegations emphasized the need to share real-time intelligence to bolster their abilities to respond swiftly to maritime threats. This includes drug trafficking—a persistent issue in the region—where both India and Sri Lanka have committed to cooperating closely to track and curb the flow of illegal narcotics through maritime channels. Enhanced measures for preventing marine pollution were also a central theme, with both Coast Guards working toward implementing more stringent control and response protocols to minimize environmental damage. 

In line with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two agencies in May 2018, this institutionalized annual meeting ensures that both Coast Guards continue to engage on critical maritime matters and work collaboratively on solutions. The MoU provides a framework for mutual support, regular exchange programs, and coordinated operations, reflecting the strategic alignment between India and Sri Lanka in the maritime domain. 

Enhanced Regional Stability and Preparedness 

The ICG and SLCG concluded the meeting with renewed commitments to further strengthen mutual support mechanisms and collaborative arrangements. These measures include joint training initiatives, search and rescue exercises, and further standardization of protocols for shared maritime responsibilities.

The 8th Annual High-Level Meeting between the Indian and Sri Lankan Coast Guards is scheduled to be hosted by the Indian Coast Guard in 2025, where both agencies are expected to continue building on the progress achieved in Colombo. Today’s meeting highlights the growing depth of the Indo-Sri Lankan maritime partnership, emphasizing a shared vision for regional stability and sustainable maritime security.