INDIA: From February 10 to February 12, a delegation of six Sri Lankan Armed Forces officers visited India as part of Army to Army Staff talks.
The 9th Army to Army Staff Talks (AAST) was held in Pune by Agnibaaz Division under the auspices of Headquarters Southern Command to improve coordination between the two militaries.
Staff conference was led by Major General Anil Kumar Kashid, AVSM, VSM, Additional Director General International Cooperation, head of Indian Army delegation, and Major General HP Ranasinghe RWP RSP, head of the Sri Lankan Army delegation.
Both countries discussed agenda items, with a focus on key issues such as training, the conduct of bilateral and multilateral exercises, and the enhancement of relations in the fields of arts, sports, and cultural exchanges.
The conference concluded with a discussion of the status of previously implemented matters as well as the intended course of action for the coming years. The talks demonstrated the two countries’ growing bilateral military cooperation and understanding.
On February 11, a visiting delegation visited the Military Institute of Technology (MILIT) and the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla. The team met with the Commandant and faculty to discuss the training methodology and best practices being implemented at MILIT.
The delegation was briefed on armed forces-related technological studies being conducted at MILIT and also interacted with Sri Lankan Army student officers enrolled in the DSTSC course at MILIT.
The visit to the National Defence Academy (NDA) was intended to strengthen cooperation as part of the two countries’ ‘Training Exchange Program,’ which has been the most solid and long-lasting pillar of India-Sri Lanka bilateral defense cooperation.
The delegation members were briefed on NDA’s training methodology and related infrastructure. At the Cadets’ Mess, Sri Lankan cadets undergoing training at the NDA also met with delegation members. The delegation met with Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor, AVSM, VM, Commandant of the National Defense Agency.
The Sri Lankan delegation also visited the College of Military Engineering (CME) in Pune, where they were shown the training infrastructure used to provide training on all relevant engineering aspects for emerging security challenges across the entire spectrum of conflict.
For the delegation, a combat engineer demonstration was also planned. A cultural tour was also organized for the delegates, giving them a magnificent insight into India’s rich heritage and culture.
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