Rajnath Singh’s Sri Lanka visit strengthens India’s southern security partnership
Colombo, Sep 9. India and Sri Lanka discussed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation in defence, security and regional stability during a meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The meeting, held in Colombo on September 9, highlighted the traditionally close ties between India and Sri Lanka, with the two countries describing themselves as civilisational partners, close neighbours and maritime partners committed to promoting the development and welfare of their people as well as peace and security in the region.
Singh conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s greetings to Dissanayake and underscored the strong historical, civilisational and people-to-people ties that underpin relations between the two countries.
Dissanayake, while welcoming Singh, recalled his interactions with Modi and reiterated Colombo’s assurance that Sri Lankan territory would not be permitted to be used for any activities that could adversely affect India’s security interests.
The Sri Lankan President also thanked India for its relief assistance under Operation Sagar Bandhu following Cyclone Ditwah and for the comprehensive rehabilitation package extended by New Delhi to support reconstruction efforts in different parts of the island.
Singh said India, as a close friend and neighbour, regarded assistance to Sri Lanka as a responsibility rather than a favour and would continue to act as a first responder whenever required.
The two leaders also virtually inaugurated three Bailey bridges constructed by the Indian Defence Forces, highlighting the broader role of bilateral defence cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster-response efforts.
During the visit, India and Sri Lanka exchanged three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) aimed at further strengthening defence and institutional cooperation. One of the agreements provides for the upgradation of six L70 air-defence guns of the Sri Lankan Air Force under a Government of India grant.
The L70 guns had earlier been supplied by India to the Sri Lankan Air Force. Their modernisation is expected to strengthen Sri Lanka’s air-defence architecture, particularly in protecting critical assets and installations.
The other two agreements focus on strengthening institutional and academic ties between the two countries’ National Defence Colleges and formalising cooperation between their National Cadet Corps.
The MoU between the National Defence College of India and its Sri Lankan counterpart will promote academic cooperation and facilitate greater exchange of knowledge and expertise between the two institutions.
The NCC agreement will formalise the existing youth exchange programme between India and Sri Lanka, providing opportunities for cadets to participate in NCC activities in New Delhi alongside participants from other countries.
The agreements are expected to add further depth to the growing India-Sri Lanka defence partnership, which encompasses military training, institutional exchanges, maritime cooperation, capacity building and humanitarian assistance.
Singh’s visit comes amid India’s efforts to strengthen security partnerships with its maritime neighbours and reinforce cooperation aimed at ensuring peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region.
