The US Navy, US Marine Corps, and Sri Lankan Navy will hold a bilateral maritime exercise, CARAT Sri Lanka, focusing on anti-terrorism maneuvers. The exercise coincides with the proposed visit of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to inaugurate an Iranian-funded hydropower project. While Sri Lankan authorities are yet to confirm the visit amid Israeli-Iranian tensions, the exercise highlights the strong partnership between the US and Sri Lanka in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. Sri Lanka Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera emphasized the value of such exercises for operational training and responding to maritime threats.
US, Sri Lanka Navies to Conduct Joint Maritime Exercise Amid Iranian President’s Visit
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