Indian Navy’s submarine, INS ‘Vagir’, arrives at Colombo on an operational visit

New Delhi: Indian Navy's state-of-the-art submarine, INS 'Vagir', has arrived at Colombo on an operational visit from June 19-22. This visit marks the commemoration of the 9th edition of the International Day of Yoga and aligns with the theme of 'Global Ocean Ring'.

During the visit, the Commanding Officer of the Indian Naval submarine, is scheduled to meet Rear Admiral Suresh De Silva, the Commander of the Western Naval Area, during this visit.

In addition, INS 'Vagir' will also open its doors to visitors and school children, allowing them a rare opportunity to explore the submarine firsthand.

In conjunction with this visit, the Indian High Commission, in collaboration with the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, has planned a grand event on the occasion of International Day of Yoga at Colombo Port on June 21. Senior defence officials and personnel from both the Indian and Sri Lankan Navies will participate in this celebration.

This visit follows the previous visits of Indian Naval Ships Delhi, Sukanya, Kiltan, and Savitri to Colombo and Trincomalee, during which Yoga sessions were organised alongside the Sri Lanka Navy. Recently, the Sri Lankan Armed Forces actively took part in a three-day Yoga workshop across five cities in Sri Lanka, organized by the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre.

The International Day of Yoga 2023, themed 'Global Ocean Ring', aims to connect individuals worldwide in their shared pursuit of well-being, resonating with India's ongoing G20 presidency and the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which emphasizes a united and harmonious future for all.

About INS Vagir

Indian Navy's fifth stealth Scorpene class Submarine INS Vagir was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 23 Jan 2023. It is named after a "Sand Shark". According to the Indian Navy: "the Sand Shark represents Stealth and Fearlessness, two qualities that are synonymous with the ethos of a submariner".

Six Scorpene type submarines have been ordered by India in 2005 as part of the Project 75 program. They are constructed locally by the Mazagon Dock Limited shipyard in Mumbai, with assistance of Naval Group, designer of these submarines. Four submarines, Kalvari, Khanderi, Karanj and Vela have already been commissioned into the Indian Navy. Outfitting of the sixth and final submarine, Vagsheer, is ongoing. It was launched by MDL in April 2022 and is set to start sea trials this year. It will be delivered to the Indian Navy in March 2024.

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