New Delhi, August 12: India and Sri Lanka have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening maritime security cooperation during the 8th High-Level Meeting (HLM) between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG), held in New Delhi on August 11. The meeting marked another milestone in the two nations’ long-standing maritime partnership, aimed at ensuring safety, security, and environmental protection in the shared Indian Ocean region.
The Sri Lankan delegation, led by Rear Admiral Y.R. Serasinghe, Director General of the SLCG, was welcomed by Director General Paramesh Sivamani, AVSM, PTM, TM, who headed the Indian side. The SLCG team is in India from August 10 to 14 for the talks and other professional engagements under the 2018 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two Coast Guards.
Focus Areas: Maritime Security & Environmental Protection
During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in marine pollution response, maritime search and rescue, and maritime law enforcement. They also explored avenues for capacity building, technical assistance, and sharing of best practices to improve operational readiness.
According to an official ICG statement, the talks reaffirmed both countries’ determination to work closely on addressing contemporary maritime challenges such as drug trafficking, illegal fishing, and human smuggling, while promoting regional stability and environmental stewardship.
Building on Past Cooperation
This year’s meeting builds on the progress made during the 7th HLM, held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on November 11, 2023. That meeting focused on combating transnational maritime crime and expanding joint operations under the framework established in the 2018 MoU.
The ICG delegation comprised four members led by Director General S. Paramesh, while the Sri Lankan side was headed by Rear Admiral Y.R. Serasinghe. Both sides highlighted the importance of institutionalised mechanisms to ensure continued collaboration, including joint exercises, training programs, and coordinated patrols in the Indian Ocean.
Outcome: Strengthened Regional Maritime Security
The discussions concluded with a renewed commitment to enhance operational coordination between the two Coast Guards. Both sides agreed to take forward initiatives for safeguarding the maritime domain from emerging threats, while ensuring the safety of mariners, preventing marine pollution, and strengthening overall maritime governance in the region.
The meeting reinforces the growing India–Sri Lanka strategic partnership in maritime affairs, which plays a critical role in maintaining peace, stability, and security across the Indian Ocean.