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Recently, India has participated in the three-day event in Colombo to mark the 70th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF).
India’s Participation
- A team of 4 Sarang Advanced Light Helicopters, Surya Kiran (Hawks), Tejas Fighter Aircraft, Tejas Trainer and the Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft from India took part.
- India participated in a flypast and aerobatic display event with the SLAF, held by Colombo’s seafront.
- The last time India took part in such an event was in 2001, on the occasion of the SLAF’s 50th anniversary.
Significance
- India played a crucial political and military role during Sri Lanka’s civil war.
- Sri Lankan leaders have acknowledged the presence of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) and ‘Operation Poomalai’ in 1987.
- In Sri Lanka’s post-war era, the military partnership between both countries has focussed mostly on training and capacity building.
- As many as 1,200 Sri Lankan military personnel are trained in India every year, which is about 50% of the total training India offers.
- It shows the priority India accords to Sri Lanka as it has huge potential to contribute to regional security. Sri Lanka’s strategic location makes it a crucial partner for all countries in the region.
- Domestically, its defence sector is accorded high priority by all governments.
- Through participation in the event, India seeks to reaffirm its strong defence cooperation with Sri Lanka.
Civil War in Sri Lanka
(Image Courtesy: 4 News)
(Image Courtesy: World at War) Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF)
Operation Poomalai
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