Colombo, Jan 7 (NationPress) India's Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi on Wednesday laid a wreath at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial in Sri Lanka, honoring the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during Operation Pawan.

In a statement shared on X, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) announced, "General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, laid a wreath at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial in Sri Lanka, paying solemn homage to the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of peace, stability and regional harmony during Operation PAWAN."

"The IPKF Memorial commemorates the valor and ultimate sacrifice of Indian Army troops during the IPKF's operations in Sri Lanka from 1987 to 1990. It serves as a lasting symbol of courage, professionalism, and the Indian Army’s steadfast dedication to peacekeeping and regional security," it continued.

The Indian Army Chief arrived in Sri Lanka following his engagements in the United Arab Emirates. According to the ADGPI, General Dwivedi's visit to Sri Lanka demonstrates the strong commitment of both nations to enhance mutual understanding, deepen cooperation in areas of shared interest, and bolster defense collaboration.

"General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, is on an official visit to Sri Lanka today. This visit underscores the strong commitment of both nations to enhance mutual understanding, deepen cooperation in areas of shared interest, and further strengthen bilateral Defense Cooperation," the ADGPI stated on X.

"The visit occurs in the context of Operation Sagar Bandhu, reflecting India’s enduring partnership with our steadfast ally," it added.

Last November, India initiated Operation Sagar Bandhu, acting as the First Responder in the immediate aftermath of the devastating Cyclone Ditwah, providing urgent Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) support to Sri Lanka. Cyclone Ditwah led to widespread flooding, landslides, and significant infrastructure damage across Sri Lanka, straining the country's disaster-response systems.

During his visit, General Dwivedi is expected to meet senior military and civilian leadership, including the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Deputy Minister of Defence, and the Defence Secretary; and engage in detailed discussions on matters of mutual interest, such as training cooperation, capacity building, and regional security, as per a statement from the Ministry of Defence. He will also address officers at the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) and interact with officers and trainees at the Army War College in Buttala.

The Ministry of Defence remarked, "The Chief of the Army Staff's visit to the UAE and Sri Lanka reaffirms India’s commitment to strengthening defense cooperation, fostering mutual trust, and enhancing interoperability with friendly nations in the Indian Ocean Region and West Asia."