India, Sri Lanka to hold joint naval exercise in 2011

NEW DELHI - India and Sri Lanka have decided on a series of measures to enhance defence cooperation between the two countries, including a joint naval exercise between the navies of the two countries in 2011.

The decision also includes holding formal annual defence dialogue and staff level talks between the Navy and the Army of the two countries beginning next year.

The two sides took these decisions at the Defence Secretary level talks in Colombo on Monday.

Defence Secretary Pradeep Kaumar led the Indian delegation where as his Lankan counterpart Gotabhaya Rajapakse led the Sri Lanka side.

Senior officers of the three Services, Coast Guard, Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of External Affairs also took part in the discussion. The commanders of the three Services assisted the Sri Lankan side.

Both sides also agreed that common concerns like safety of sea lanes of communication will form the basis for bilateral exchanges. (ANI)