The 33rd annual Indo-Sri Lanka IMBL (International Maritime Boundary Line) meeting between the representatives of the Navies and Coast Guards of India and Sri Lanka was recently held onboard INS Sumitra. This meeting took place at the Indo-Sri Lanka Maritime Boundary Line, located off Point Calimere in the Palk Bay. The primary objectives of this meeting were to enhance the cooperation and synergy in operations between the naval and coast guard forces of the two countries.
Key participants in the meeting included:
- Sri Lankan delegation, led by RAdm BAKS Banagoda, Commander North Central Naval Area (NCNA), Sri Lanka Navy.
- Indian delegation, led by RAdm Ravi Kumar Dhingra, Flag Officer Commanding Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Area (FOTNA).
- Representatives from the Coast Guard Regional Headquarters (East).
- Defence Advisor to the High Commission of India in Colombo.
- Senior officers from both India and Sri Lanka.
During the meeting, various important maritime security and operational issues were discussed, including:
- Maritime security in the Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar region.
- Safety of fishermen in the shared waters.
- Measures to combat trafficking of contraband and illegal activities in the maritime region.
- Enhancing the communication network and the timely sharing of critical information between the Indian and Sri Lankan Navies and Coast Guard. This sharing of information is crucial for facilitating prompt actions and responses in maritime security operations.
Both sides reaffirmed the significance of mutual cooperation in their maritime operations. They agreed to implement the decisions made during the meeting to further strengthen maritime security in the region, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration between India and Sri Lanka to safeguard their shared maritime interests.