INS Vikrant makes maiden overseas voyage to Sri Lanka for fleet review

India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, is on its maiden overseas deployment to Sri Lanka. The warship, along with the indigenous stealth frigate INS Udaygiri, is representing the Indian Navy at the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025 being hosted by the Sri Lankan Navy in Colombo from November 27 to 29.

The two warships also delivered relief material to the island nation, which has been hit by Cyclone Ditwah. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar posted on X: “Operation Sagar Bandhu commences. INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri hand over relief material at Colombo. Further steps are underway.”

India has provided 4.5 tonnes of dry rations and 2 tonnes of fresh rations to Sri Lanka.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives in Sri Lanka. “In solidarity with our closest maritime neighbour, India has urgently dispatched relief material and vital HADR support under Operation Sagar Bandhu. We stand ready to provide more aid and assistance as the situation evolves,” he said.

“India continues to stand firmly with Sri Lanka in its hour of need,” he added.

For the IFR, the aircraft carrier is carrying MiG-29K fighter jets and helicopters. At 47,000 tonnes, INS Vikrant is the largest warship ever built in India and was commissioned in September 2022. The IFR is part of the Sri Lanka Navy’s 75th anniversary celebrations and features participation from naval ships, delegations and observers from several countries.

The maiden participation of INS Vikrant in an IFR underscores India’s continued engagement with partner navies in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and reflects its focus on promoting peace, stability and security through collaboration and interoperability.

During their stay in Colombo, the warships will participate in major IFR events, including the ceremonial fleet review, city parade, community outreach activities and professional naval interactions. As part of public outreach efforts, the ships were opened to visitors, with schoolchildren and Sri Lankan authorities given a tour of the carrier.