Indian naval ship Shakti delivers 100 tons of liquid medical oxygen to Sri Lanka

Supporting Sri Lanka’s fight against COVID-19, Indian naval ship Shakti arrived in Colombo on Sunday with 100 tons (five containers) of Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) from Visakhapatnam.

The Indian Government promptly responded to Sri Lanka’s request by facilitating the speedy delivery of this 100-ton consignment on board the 27,500T naval vessel. The Indian navy’s assistance in this regard was discussed between the Chiefs of the Indian and Sri Lankan navies last week.

Deployment of the Indian naval ship was a part of Operation Samudra Setu-II. This was also a manifestation of the jointmanship between the two navies and various other stakeholders between the two countries. A Sri Lankan naval vessel, also named Shakthi, with 40 tons of LMO on board arrived in Colombo a few hours later on the same day.

Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay and Sri Lanka Navy Commander Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne felicitated the Commanding Officer of INS Shakti on 23 August.

The High Commissioner emphasised that the ‘Mission Sagar’ initiative of the Indian Navy had been a pioneering effort in supporting early delivery of essential COVID-19 shipments to friendly foreign countries in emergency, while the formal supply chain was being restored.

Vice Admiral Ulugetenne highlighted that India’s Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh had been extremely supportive towards the Sri Lankan Navy and expressed his gratitude to the Indian Navy for INS Shakti.

A total of 180 tons of LMO came into Sri Lanka from India from 20-23 August and more consignments are being scheduled. INS Shakti is carrying empty LMO containers back to Visakhapatnam towards ensuring the continued supply of LMO from India to Sri Lanka. 

Reflecting India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, the Indian navy and coast guard have promptly responded to several crises in Sri Lanka, such as containing the fires on board MT New Diamond and MV X-Press Pearl and survey efforts off Colombo by INS Sarvekshak to restore fishing activity.

India has also been extending its support to Sri Lanka in the battle against COVID-19 in multiple ways on an ongoing basis, including through the supply of essential medical items and vaccines.