Indian Naval Submarine INS ‘Vagir’, which is the latest indigenous Kalvari-class submarine of the Indian Navy, will undertake an operational visit at Colombo from today to 22 to commemorate the ninth edition of International Day of Yoga (IDY) under the theme of ‘Global Ocean Ring’.

The Commanding Officer of the Indian Naval submarine, Commander Divakar. S will call on Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Suresh De Silva. During the submarine’s visit the vessel would be open for visitors and schoolchildren.

The High Commission of India in co-ordination with Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre will organise a grand event at Colombo Port to celebrate IDY on June 21, 2023 with participation of senior defence hierarchy and personnel from Indian and Sri Lanka Navies. The Indian Navy is participating in the ninth edition of IDY with the unique initiative of performing Yoga on selected ports across the world forming a ‘Global Ocean Ring’. Connecting people the world over in a common pursuit of wellness, IDY 2023 resonates with the theme of India’s ongoing presidency of the G20, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam or ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’.

It may be recalled that Indian Naval Ships Delhi, Sukanya, Kiltan and Savitri had earlier visited Colombo and Trincomalee earlier this year, during which Yoga sessions were organised with Sri Lanka Navy. Recently, in June 2023, Sri Lankan Armed Forces participated in the three-day Yoga workshop across five cities in Sri Lanka, which was organized by Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre.

Visits by Indian Navy ships and submarines in Sri Lanka aim to foster brotherhood and togetherness between the two neighbouring navies in keeping with the India’s vision of ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and ‘Security and Growth for all in the Region (SAGAR)’.