Indian Army Chief Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag on Sunday left on a four-day visit to Sri Lanka during which he will review the bilateral defence ties and discuss new avenues of cooperation.

The visit assumes special significance in light of increasing defence cooperation between the two countries. In recent years, the Indo-Sri Lanka relationship has been marked by high-level bilateral exchanges in various fields.

Among the countries of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), Sri Lanka is the “most important partner and one of our most important neighbours,” an official statement said.

Defence and security cooperation between the two countries have been an important component of the bilateral strategic partnership.

Bilateral exchanges at various levels over the past year with significant progress in implementation of developmental assistance projects, enhancement of trade and defence cooperation helped further cement the bonds of friendship between the two countries, it said.

Defence cooperation between the two countries has been characterised by mutual training exercises, exchanges at functional level, cooperation in maritime security and humanitarian assistance.

Gen. Suhag is scheduled to interact with senior officials of defence forces and Ministry of Defence of Sri Lanka to discuss a wide range of issues and to enhance military cooperation.

He will also visit training establishments and Formation Headquarters.

“The visit will further enhance the long standing ties and cooperation in other areas of mutual interest between India and Sri Lanka, including regional security,” the statement said.

(PTI)