Indian Army Chief Pays Tribute at IPKF Memorial in Sri Lanka, Reaffirms Defence Cooperation

Colombo, Jan 2026 : India’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi, on Wednesday paid homage to the fallen soldiers of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) by laying a wreath at the IPKF Memorial in Sri Lanka. The solemn ceremony honoured the brave Indian Army personnel who made the supreme sacrifice during Operation Pawan, undertaken between 1987 and 1990 in the service of peace, stability and regional harmony.

In a statement shared on social media platform X, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) said that General Dwivedi paid “solemn homage to the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of peace, stability and regional harmony during Operation PAWAN.” The tribute underscored India’s enduring respect for its peacekeepers and their contribution to regional security.

The IPKF Memorial commemorates the valour, courage and professionalism of Indian Army troops deployed in Sri Lanka during the late 1980s. It stands as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers while carrying out complex peacekeeping operations under challenging circumstances. According to the ADGPI, the memorial symbolises the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to peacekeeping, regional stability and international responsibility.

General Dwivedi arrived in Sri Lanka after concluding his official engagements in the United Arab Emirates. His visit to Colombo reflects the continued efforts by India and Sri Lanka to strengthen bilateral ties, particularly in the defence and security domains. The ADGPI noted that the visit highlights the shared commitment of both nations to enhance mutual understanding, deepen cooperation in areas of common interest and further consolidate defence collaboration.

“The visit underscores the strong commitment of both nations to enhance mutual understanding, deepen cooperation in areas of shared interest and further strengthen bilateral Defence Cooperation,” the ADGPI stated. It added that the visit is taking place against the backdrop of Operation Sagar Bandhu, reflecting India’s enduring sense of brotherhood with Sri Lanka.

India had launched Operation Sagar Bandhu in November last year as the first responder following the devastating Cyclone Ditwah, which caused widespread flooding, landslides and significant infrastructure damage across Sri Lanka. The cyclone overwhelmed local disaster-response systems, prompting India to extend immediate Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) support, further reinforcing the close ties between the two neighbours.

During his visit, General Dwivedi is scheduled to hold meetings with senior military and civil leadership, including the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, the Deputy Minister of Defence and the Defence Secretary. Detailed discussions will be held on a range of issues such as training cooperation, capacity building, defence exchanges and regional security challenges.

The Army Chief 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, highlighting India’s emphasis on professional military education and institutional cooperation.

In a statement, the Ministry of Defence said the visit of the Chief of the Army Staff to the UAE and Sri Lanka reaffirms India’s commitment to strengthening defence cooperation, fostering mutual trust and enhancing interoperability with friendly nations across the Indian Ocean Region and West Asia.