Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh called on Sri Lankan President Mr Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo on Wednesday and held substantive discussions on the entire spectrum of the multifaceted India-Sri Lanka partnership, with focus on defence, security, development and regional stability.
The two leaders reaffirmed that India and Sri Lanka, as civilisational twins, close neighbours and maritime partners, will continue to work together for the development and welfare of their people while jointly contributing to the safety, security, peace and prosperity of the region.
The Defence Minister conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and underscored the deep bonds of friendship between the people of the two countries, rooted in shared history, civilisational ties and extensive people-to-people exchanges.
Welcoming the Defence Minister, President Dissanayake recalled his interactions with Prime Minister Modi and reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment to ensuring that its territory is never used for activities inimical to India’s security interests.
India Reaffirms First-Responder Role:
President Dissanayake expressed gratitude to India for the relief assistance provided under Operation Sagar Bandhu following Cyclone Ditwah, as well as the comprehensive rehabilitation package extended by New Delhi to support reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts across Sri Lanka.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasised that India’s assistance to Sri Lanka was not an act of favour but a responsibility of a close friend and neighbour.
He reaffirmed that India would continue to remain a dependable first responder and extend assistance to Sri Lanka whenever required.
Defence Co-operation Gets Further Boost:
The two leaders virtually inaugurated three Bailey Bridges constructed by the Indian Defence Forces, highlighting India’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s reconstruction and infrastructure requirements.
The two sides also exchanged Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering upgradation of L70 air defence guns for the Sri Lanka Air Force and enhanced cooperation between the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and National Defence Colleges (NDC) of India and Sri Lanka.
Under the Government of India grant, six L70 guns of the Sri Lanka Air Force will be upgraded. The modernisation of these air defence systems is expected to strengthen the protection of critical assets and enhance Sri Lanka’s air defence architecture.
The L70 guns had earlier been provided to the Sri Lanka Air Force by India.
Defence Education & Youth Exchanges Strengthened:
The MoU on academic cooperation between the National Defence College (NDC), India and NDC, Sri Lanka will facilitate institutional cooperation, knowledge sharing and exchange of expertise, further strengthening academic and professional linkages between the two premier defence institutions.
The MoU on co-operation between the National Cadet Corps of India and Sri Lanka will formalise the existing NCC youth exchange programme.
The programme provides an opportunity for NCC cadets from participating countries to visit New Delhi and take part in various NCC activities, fostering greater understanding, camaraderie and people-to-people ties among future generations.
The engagements during the Defence Minister’s visit reaffirm the deepening India-Sri Lanka defence partnership, with both sides committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation across defence, security, capacity building and humanitarian assistance while contributing to peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region.
