The indigenously built stealth frigate INS Udaygiri docked at Colombo Port on September 8 for a three-day operational turnaround, coinciding with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to Sri Lanka.

The Indian Navy's multi-role stealth frigate INS Udaygiri, a 149.02-metre vessel, arrived at Colombo Port on September 8 for a three-day Operational Turnaround. The ship was received by the Sri Lanka Navy according to established naval protocols. The vessel is commanded by Captain Vikas Sood, who previously served as Defence Adviser at the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka from July 2020 to October 2023.

The port call coincides with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to the island. According to the Indian High Commission, the visit aims to deepen bilateral cooperation through technical training and experience sharing facilitated by a mobile training team. Captain Sood is scheduled to formally meet with Rear Admiral Harsha De Silva, Commander Western Naval Area, at the Western Naval Command Headquarters. A reception for Sri Lankan dignitaries will be hosted aboard the vessel as part of the Defence Minister's engagement.

During the stay, the frigate will deliver essential machinery and equipment spares for both the Sri Lanka Navy and Air Force. The crew will participate in professional and sports interactions with their Sri Lankan counterparts and join a beach cleaning initiative supporting the "Clean Sri Lanka Campaign." Sri Lanka Navy personnel are expected to visit the ship for capability observation and knowledge sharing, with onboard training sessions scheduled. Visiting crew members will also tour prominent tourist and cultural locations across the island.

The Indian High Commission framed the visit within India's "Neighbourhood First" policy and the regional security framework known as MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions). INS Udaygiri previously visited Colombo in November 2025 alongside aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and participated in humanitarian relief operations during Cyclone Ditwah.